David Beckham reveals whether or not Lionel Messi will make his Inter Miami debut against Cruz Azul

Last weekend, Herons boss Gerardo Martino cast doubt on whether the former Barcelona star would play in the Leagues Cup fixture.

Roddy ConsRoddyConsUpdate: Jul 19th, 2023 10:32 EDT

MIKE EHRMANNAFP

Friday 21 July 2023. Cruz Azul. The new and improved Leagues Cup. From the moment Lionel Messi revealed he would be signing for Inter Miami back in June, it has been assumed that the ex-Barcelona superstar would make his first appearance for David Beckham’s Herons on that date, against those opponents and in that competition.

In the aftermath of last weekend’s defeat to St. Louis City SC, recently-installed head coach Gerard Martino cast doubt over whether that would actually be the case, sending fans who had splashed out a fortune on tickets for the fixture into a panic. “We’re obviously excited that the best player in the world will play for our team, but we also need to show patience to ensure that he is physically fit and starts playing at the right time”, stated Martino.

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David Beckham on Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami debut – likely this Friday at Drive Pink Stadium. I’ll be there for ya! But first, tune into CBS for a recap on his first training session today #LionelMessi #DavidBeckham #JorgeMas #InterMiamiCF pic.twitter.com/3YGISfHMrs

— Trish Christakis (@TrishChristakis) July 18, 2023

And his unveiling at DRV PNK Stadium the following day, Messi appeared to play down those fears by signing off with “See you on Friday,” after addressing the Inter Miami support.

Beckham expects Messi to play some part against Cruz Azul

And following his first training session with his new teammates on Tuesday, Beckham gave different interviews to the press and revealed that he does expect Messi to make his debut against Cruz Azul, although there is a good chance it will come as a substitute.

“We don’t know if he starts in this game. He’s obviously just come off a few weeks’ break, so he needs to be given time to adapt to the weather, the humidity and his teammates as well.

“The decision will be down to the coach and down to Leo, but he looks great. He’s a professional player so he’s looked after himself during the time that he’s had with his family on vacation. But hopefully he’ll play at some point on Friday”.

𝐈𝐓'𝐒 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋! Lionel Messi will make his debut in #LeaguesCup2023! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Wz9F2ZLlr8

— Leagues Cup (@LeaguesCup) July 15, 2023

Messi likely to come off the bench in Leagues Cup