Lionel Messi, a global football sensation, might just light up Bank of America Stadium this Saturday when Inter Miami collides with Charlotte FC. This anticipated match, though not significant for the Major League Soccer (MLS) scoreboard, holds a unique charm for fans.
Why? This could potentially be Messi’s curtain call for the season with Inter Miami.
From Injury to Field – Messi’s Recent Journey
Despite grappling with injuries recently, Messi has signaled his intention to participate in Saturday’s duel. Following a memorable performance where he netted two goals for Argentina against Peru, Messi expressed his eagerness to participate in the upcoming Charlotte game. In a post-match discussion with TyC Sports and TVP, he shared, “I’ll train and play in our next game.”
Friday saw him training alongside Inter Miami teammates. Assistant coach Javier Morales confirmed that the football luminary will indeed accompany the team to Charlotte. Whether he would grace the starting eleven or add firepower from the bench remains a question.
Reviewing Messi’s Recent Performances
After a full-fledged performance against Peru, Messi appears to be back in his prime form, signaling recovery from the injury that plagued him post-September 7. His recent form is quite the leap from the earlier games where he narrowly missed scoring opportunities, particularly against Paraguay.
Interestingly, Messi’s return game with Inter Miami was against FC Cincinnati, where the team endured a 1-0 defeat. This was their maiden loss post-Messi’s inclusion. On his recent form, Morales optimistically remarked, “We are elated with Messi’s comeback. Tomorrow’s match will be a treat.”
Why Charlotte is a Special Game for Messi
Besides wrapping up Messi’s inaugural MLS season, the Charlotte game is a milestone. Messi will be playing on artificial turf in MLS for the first time. Despite earlier discussions from MLS commissioner Don Garber about potentially overlaying turf with natural grass for Messi, Charlotte FC made it clear they won’t adapt. Messi, in his initial press meet with Inter Miami, shared he’s no stranger to turf and is open to adapting again.
How to Watch Messi’s Encounter with Charlotte FC
For fans eager to catch every moment of this much-anticipated game, Apple TV will be broadcasting the match live. The action kicks off at 6 p.m., ensuring audiences around the world can witness Messi’s magic on the field.
Off-Season and Beyond for Messi
After the Peru match, Messi detailed his off-season plans but skipped mentioning Inter Miami’s international friendlies in China. However, these matches will be a global spectacle, leveraging Messi’s massive appeal to boost Inter Miami’s international footprint.
Inter Miami is set to lock horns with Qingdao Hainiu F.C. on November 5 and later with Chengdu Rongcheng on November 8. Post these, Messi’s fans can expect to see him don the Argentine jersey against stalwarts Uruguay and Brazil later in November.