Following Inter Miami’s 2-0 triumph over New York Red Bulls, where Lionel Messi scored his first MLS goal in his league debut, the Herons are set for a Leagues Cup final rematch with Nashville SC.
Jordi Alba was the only ex-Barcelona player to start the game vs Red Bulls, with Messi and Sergio Busquets coming off the bench later on to seal the three points for the visitors.
Now, Miami is back at DRV PNK Stadium with a huge matchup with Nashville, and head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino stated that Messi and Busquets will more than likely be in the starting lineup to take on the Boys in Gold.
Martino also explained that his side will have to learn how to win games without Messi, as the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will miss a few September fixtures when he links up with the Argentina national team.
GK: Drake Callender – A no brainer here, as Callender has come on strong over the summer playing his part in Miami lifting their first ever trophy as well as coming up clutch in a penalty shootout to advance to the US Open Cup final.
RB: DeAndre Yedlin – The former club captain has continued to shine and get the job done at full-back.
CB: Tomas Aviles – The young defender looks set for for minutes under his belt alongside the veterans Kryvstov and Miller.
CB: Serhiy Kryvstov – After starting just about every game during Leagues Cup, Kryvstov got a break last time out as the young Tomas Aviles was thrust into the starting lineup. Now, the Ukraine international could be back in the XI alongside the 19-year-old.
CB: Kamal Miller – The Herons’ best option at center-back, and he continues to lead the backline by example.
LB: Jordi Alba – He’s shown no signs of slowing down since joining Miami, and should feature in the defense Wednesday night.
CM: Dixon Arroyo – One of Miami’s most reliable players, and he should continue to see minutes as MLS regular season play winds down.
CM: Sergio Busquets – After coming off the bench in the second half vs New York, he’s primed for another start in south Florida.
CM: Benjamin Cremaschi – The versatile midfielder played under 20 minutes against Red Bulls but still notched an assist, and he just might feature in the midfield vs Nashville.
CF: Lionel Messi – Not much to add here. The ex-Paris Saint-Germain player has been in top form, as expected, scoring 11 goals in just nine appearances for the Herons leading them to their first ever piece of silverware.
CF: Josef Martinez – After being rested against Red Bulls, the 2018 Golden Boot winner should have a chance to get back on the scoresheet against Nashville.
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