Lionel Messi To Be Named Inter Miami Captain After First MLS Club Appearance

By: Gyang Dakwo

Lionel Messi will be the new captain of Inter Miami, head coach Tata Martino has confirmed. Messi wore the captain’s armband when he came on for his debut in the Leagues Cup clash against Cruz Azul.

Messi marked his first appearance for the MLS side with an injury-time free-kick that won the match.

Asked if Messi would continue to captain Miami, Martino said: “The other day he was, when he entered. Yes, he will be.”
Gregore had been Miami’s club captain earlier this season but he is out with injury. DeAndre Yedlin handed the armband over to Messi when he came on against Cruz Azul.

Messi could be set to start against Atlanta along with former Barcelona team-mate Sergio Busquets, who also came on as a substitute in the previous match.
Martino said: “It is very likely that both Messi and Busi [Sergio Busquets] will play longer, even from the beginning.
“Everything will depend on how they feel. It’s just their second game.”

He added about Messi’s impact at the club: “What was seen of Messi in the game trying to order his team-mates, is what he has been doing in the training sessions.
“He helps and talks about football with his team-mates.”

It has been reported that Messi could be joined at Inter Miami by another former Barcelona team-mate, Luis Suarez who is currently playing for Gremio but according to ESPN Brasil is willing to repay all the wages he has received in 2023 along with making additional payments in order to leave.