Lionel Messi Set to Make History With First MLS Start for Inter Miami Against Nashville SC

• Lionel Messi is set to make his first MLS start on Wednesday night against Nashville SC
• The Argentine star came off the bench on his MLS debut against the New York Red Bulls
• Inter Miami defeated Nashville SC in the Leagues Cup final weeks ago via a penalty shootout

History will be made on Wednesday night as Lionel Messi will start in an MLS game for the first time in his illustrious career.

Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino announced on Tuesday that Messi and Sergio Busquets will likely return to the Herons’ starting lineup for the clash against Nashville SC.

They both came off the bench in the second half of Saturday’s 2-0 win against the New York Red Bulls.

Messi sent the fans into a frenzy when he replaced Leo Campana in the 60th minute.

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He dazzled the New Jersey crowd on his debut, finishing a slick passing sequence in the 89th minute to score in his first MLS game.

Before their bench roles last weekend, the former Barcelona stars had gone the distance in their previous six matches, per ESPN.

Messi, Busquets to start vs. Nashville

Martino talked about the pair’s return to the starting lineup in a press conference, saying that the game Messi and Busquets needed to get some rest was the last one in New York.

Messi’s first MLS home game will come against a Nashville team that they defeated in the final of the Leagues Cup.

That match went to a penalty shootout, with Inter Miami prevailing 10-9 in the end, per Yahoo Sports.

Inter Miami's playoff push

Inter Miami need to pick up victories quickly to give themselves a shot at making the MLS Cup playoffs.

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They are currently in 14th place in the Eastern Conference standings with 21 points.

A victory for the Herons on Wednesday could move them three points closer to New York City FC, who are in 13th place in the East.

Messi mania hits Times Square

Sports Brief recently reported on Messi mania hitting Times Square on Saturday night.

Inter Miami’s game against the New York Red Bulls was shown live on the big screen in the popular tourist destination in New York City.

Fans cheered as Messi scored a late goal in the 89th minute.