Lionel Messi Set to Return to Inter Miami Starting Lineup for MLS Regular-Season Finale Against Charlotte FC
Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi is set to make his return to the starting lineup for Saturday’s MLS regular-season finale against Charlotte FC, according to an announcement by the team. This will be Messi’s first start for Inter Miami since September 20th when they faced Toronto FC. Despite Miami already being eliminated from postseason contention, they have the opportunity to play spoiler for Charlotte, who are vying for one of the East’s final two playoff spots.
Messi’s return to the starting lineup comes after an impressive performance for Argentina in their World Cup qualifying match against Peru. The star forward scored twice, breaking the CONMEBOL record for career goals in World Cup qualifying with a total of 31 goals. This achievement further solidifies Messi’s status as one of the greatest players in football history.
One notable aspect of Saturday’s game is that it will be Messi’s first time playing on turf since joining MLS. In a press conference earlier this year, Messi expressed his comfort with playing on artificial surfaces, stating that he had no problem adapting to them. However, playing on turf can present challenges such as a faster pitch and different ball bounce, which may require some adjustment from Messi. Additionally, there is a concern about potential injuries as they are often associated with artificial surfaces.
Despite these factors, fans are eagerly anticipating Messi’s return to the field and are excited to see him showcase his skills in the MLS. The presence of a player of Messi’s caliber brings added excitement and attention to the league, further elevating its status on the global stage.
In preparation for the game, Inter Miami has released the list of starters for Saturday night’s match. The team’s official Twitter account shared the lineup, generating buzz among fans and creating anticipation for the highly anticipated clash between Inter Miami and Charlotte FC.
As the regular season comes to a close, teams are looking to secure their positions in the playoffs. Charlotte FC will be aiming to secure one of the final two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. With Messi’s return, Inter Miami has the opportunity to play a significant role in determining the outcome of the playoff race.
In conclusion, Lionel Messi’s return to the starting lineup for Inter Miami’s MLS regular-season finale against Charlotte FC is highly anticipated. Messi’s recent record-breaking performance for Argentina adds to the excitement surrounding his return. Playing on turf for the first time since joining MLS presents a new challenge for Messi, but fans are confident in his ability to adapt and continue to excel on the field. As the regular season concludes, all eyes will be on Messi as he looks to make an impact and potentially influence the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference.