Lionel Messi, the football icon, is set to dazzle fans as he takes the field with Inter Miami against New York City FC in a highly anticipated match on Wednesday, September 24 at Citi Field in Queens, New York. This clash between the No. 4 and No. 5 seeds in the Eastern Conference promises heightened drama, with the possibility of one of these teams pushing up to the No. 3 spot in the standings.
Messi comes into the NYCFC showdown tied for the MLS Golden Boot lead alongside LAFC's Denis Bouanga, each boasting an impressive tally of 22 goals. The Argentine superstar's last outing saw him notching a brace with an assist in a thrilling 3-2 victory over D.C. United on Saturday, September 20, showcasing his exceptional form.
The anticipation for Messi's involvement in the upcoming match has been fueling fans' excitement. Inter Miami's coach, Javier Mascherano, confirmed Messi's presence in New York and also expressed optimism about him taking the field. The final confirmation of Messi's participation will be revealed when Inter Miami unveils their starting lineup an hour before kick-off on Wednesday.
The match will be available for viewing on the MLS Season Pass via Apple TV on Wednesday, September 24 at 7:30 p.m. ET c8:30 p.m. in Argentinac. Citi Field, home to the New York Mets, will set the stage for this crucial encounter between the two talented sides.
Inter Miami's campaign to secure a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs hangs in the balance, with the outcome of this match playing a significant role. A victory or even a draw against New York City FC would see Inter Miami stamp their ticket to the post-season. The team, currently placed fifth in the MLS Eastern Conference standings with 52 points from 28 matches, still has room to climb with three games in hand due to previous tournament involvements.
Luis Suarez, who is returning from a three-match MLS suspension stemming from an incident in the Leagues Cup final, adds further intrigue to the clash. His presence alongside Messi will undoubtedly bolster Inter Miami's attacking prowess, providing more firepower as they look to outshine NYCFC on the field.
On the other side, New York City FC sits fourth in the East with 53 points and has already secured a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs. The club's strong form and history of success against Inter Miami make this fixture a must-watch for football enthusiasts.
As fans eagerly await this thrilling matchup, the buzz around Messi's potential contract extension with Inter Miami, keeping him in the MLS for at least two more seasons, adds another layer of intrigue. While the footballing world speculates about his participation in the upcoming World Cup, Messi's focus remains on delivering stellar performances, one game at a time.
The fate of these two teams hangs in the balance as they prepare to battle it out on the field at Citi Field. With high stakes and playoff implications on the line, the NYCFC vs. Inter Miami clash promises to be a riveting spectacle for football fans worldwide.