(CNN Spanish) — Finally, Lionel Messi will not feature in this Saturday’s game against Atlanta United. Faced with a tight schedule for the team led by Gerardo Martino, the Argentine did not even travel with his teammates, but stayed in Miami.
The No. 10 has been unwell since the South American qualifier against Ecuador and was not even allowed on the bench in the second round against Bolivia.
Although he soon returned to Miami to accept Martino’s command, the same coach warned in the meeting that the team had a lot of games in a short period of time, which would be a factor in deciding the 10 games and the game. against Atlanta.
Miami will play its second game without Messi since his arrival. The last game was a 3-2 victory over Kansas City, and the former Paris Saint-Germain team competes in the playoffs with Argentina. With eight games remaining, the Herons trail D.C. United, currently bottom of the playoffs, by six points.
The last time Inter Miami faced Atlanta United dates back to July 27, when South Florida won 4-0 with two goals from Messi.
Opponent: Atlanta United
The Georgia club ranks sixth in the Eastern Conference with 42 points and enters the playoff zone. Although this is a team with a strong home record at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium (8 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses), they have a record of 2 wins and 1 loss in their last 3 games.
Argentinian Thiago Almada is the face of the team led by Mexican Gonzalo Pineda. The Argentine World Cup winner has contributed nine goals and 14 assists to the team, more than any of his teammates.
When and where to watch Atlanta United vs. Inter Miami
- Competition: Major League Soccer
- Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Capacity: 71,000
- City: Atlanta
- schedule:
4pm Ecuador – Peru – Colombia
5pm Miami – Bolivia – Paraguay – Venezuela
6pm Argentina – Brazil – Uruguay – Chile
11pm Spain - TV: Apple TV on MLS Pass