Overview
- Lionel Messi is expected to start for Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup opener against Atlético San Luis on Wednesday, having returned from the 2026 World Cup, rested in Rosario, and played substitute minutes in a recent 2-2 MLS draw with Columbus Crew.
- Inter Miami enters the tournament as a favorite with recent signings including Rodrigo De Paul and Casemiro strengthening the squad while key forward Luis Suárez is unavailable because of a six-match suspension carried over from the previous edition.
- The 2026 Leagues Cup uses a new cross-league format with 18 MLS teams and 18 Liga MX teams, no draws in group matches with tied games decided by penalties, three points for regulation wins and two points for shootout wins.
- Atlético San Luis coach Diego Mejía said there is no foolproof way to stop Messi and that his team will stick to its identity, setting up a tactical test for Miami in the first match of a group that also includes Monterrey and León.
- Beyond the single match, the tournament matters because the top teams will earn three places in the Concacaf Champions Cup, which raises the short-term stakes for Miami as it chases a repeat of its 2023 Leagues Cup title.