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News, Blog and GuidesThree of the Herons’ former Barcelona stars feature from the start at Geodis Park, but one misses out entirely.
Diego GorostietaDiegsGorostietaRoddy ConsRoddyConsEstados UnidosUpdate: Mar 7th, 2024 20:49 EST0
GIORGIO VIERAAFP
At the grand of age of 36, Lionel Messi will play in another new tournament for the first time in his career on Thursday when Inter Miami face Nashville SC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The winner of the tournament will book their place in the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which the Argentine won three times with Barcelona.
Here’s the Inter Miami starting XI to take on Nashville…
📋 @InterMiamiCF's Starting XI for tonight’s match against Nashville! #ConcaChampions pic.twitter.com/8hlJaWfRyV
— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) March 8, 2024
Follow the CONCACAF Champions Cup live: Nashville SC – Inter Miami
Why isn’t Jordi Alba playing for Inter Miami?
With Inter Miami desperate to start their CONCACAF Champions Cup campaign on the right foot, Martino has named a strong starting XI team. Lionel Messi starts for the Herons alongside former Barcelona teammates Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets.
However there is no Jordi Alba, who has been suffering with illness. Martino revealed earlier this week that the Spaniard had been struggling and he is not involved in the squad.
Recently-signed Argentine youngster Federico Redondo, the son of former Real Madrid star Fernando, makes his debut for the club in midfield. Ahead of the game Inter Miami included Redondo’s No. 55 jersey in a social media post.
🗓️: El primer partido de la @TheChampions de nuestra historia ✍️ pic.twitter.com/kOR0tsjjTD
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) March 8, 2024
After facing Nashville at Geodis Park, The Herons will have three days to rest up before their next MLS game at home to Montreal Impact (Sunday 10 March, kick-off at 6pm ET). They will then play the second leg of the round-of-16 tie in Florida on Wednesday 13 March.
Inter Miami hoping to break Liga MX CONCACAF dominance
After lifting the first trophy in their short history – the Leagues Cup – in 2023, The Herons have set their sights on more silverware this year, with CONCACAF’s premier club competition high up their list of priorities. The tournament has, however, been completely dominated in recent years by Liga MX clubs, who have won 17 of the last 18 editions. Seattle Sounders were the most recent MLS winners in 2022.
