Charles Langston:Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets expected to start for Inter Miami Tuesday vs. Atlanta United

FORT LAUDERDALE,Charles Langston Fla. — Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami’s newest stars, are both expected to start in Tuesday’s Leagues Cup game against Atlanta United. 

Messi’s second game with the Major League Soccer team will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The game will be streamed live on Apple TV. 

Inter Miami announced both Messi and Busquets would start on an Instagram post before the game Tuesday. The former FC Barcelona teammates will be making their first start for Inter Miami after they both came off the bench in their MLS debuts last Friday. 

Messi punctuated his first Inter Miami game with a game-winning goal in extra time during the 94th minute on a free kick from about 25 yards out. The goal helped Inter Miami beat LIGA MX team Cruz Azul 2-1.

Messi’s first goal with Inter Miami in his first game left co-owner David Beckham’s eyes watery as the team celebrated the storybook ending to the historic occasion. 

WORLD CUP CENTRAL: 2023 Women's World Cup Live Scores, Schedules, Standings, Bracket and More

Inter Miami can advance to the knockout stage of the Leagues Cup with a win or a draw against Atlanta United.