Lionel Messi signs new contract with Inter Miami, here’s what it means
USA TODAY Sports’ Safid Deen speaks with MLS analyst Taylor Twellman about the new contract signed between Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.
Sports Seriously
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will play in a decisive Game 3 against Nashville SC in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Chase Stadium.
With the series tied at 1-1, Messi and Inter Miami are staring at playoff elimination in the opening round for the second straight season.
Inter Miami will play without Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez, who was suspended for the match and fined after for kicking Nashville’s Andy Najar in Game 2.
It’ll be the fourth straight match between both clubs, but a trip to the MLS conference semifinals remains on the line.
Here’s everything you need to know, and stay tuned for live updates from USA TODAY Sports:
The match begins at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT, 9 p.m. in Argentina) at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
The match will be available on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.
Yes, Messi is expected to play. His status as a starter will be confirmed when Inter Miami announces its starting lineup an hour before the match.
Inter Miami 3, Nashville 2: Inter Miami prevails with a brace and an assist by Messi at home, but don’t expect Nashville to just bow away so easily. –Safid Deen
Who does Inter Miami-Nashville winner play next in MLS playoffs?
The winner of Inter Miami-Nashville series will face the winner between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew, playing Game 3 at 6 p.m. ET Saturday.
Saturday will be the fourth match in as many weeks between Inter Miami and Nashville.
Messi’s upcoming schedule with Inter Miami, Argentina
Messi was called up by Argentina to participate in a November 14 friendly against Angola in the African country. The match occurs during the Nov. 10-18 FIFA international window. It’s possible Messi will travel for the match, even if Inter Miami advances to the next round of the playoffs.
MLS Cup playoff schedule
- Nov. 22-23: Conference semifinals
- Nov. 29-30: Conference finals
- Dec. 6: MLS Cup Final
Inter Miami vs. Nashville betting odds
Here are the betting odds for tonight’s match during regulation, according to BETMGM.
- Inter Miami: -165
- Draw: +350
- Nashville: +340
- Over/under goals: 3.5 goals
