Messi expected to lead Miami's Leagues Cup opener as Suárez misses six matches

Inter Miami's next Messi question is no longer whether he is back; it is how much of the Leagues Cup opener he will carry. A Miami Herald preview expects Messi to lead the attack against Atlético de San Luis, while Luis Suárez is suspended for the next six Leagues Cup matches. 1

Messi returned from his post-World Cup break in Saturday's draw with Columbus. The latest preview puts him in a possible front three with Mateo Silvetti and either Daniel Pinter or Preston Plambeck, but coach Guillermo Hoyos has not announced the starting XI. That makes "Messi leads" a preview expectation, not a confirmed lineup. 1

Suárez's absence is the sharper change. He is suspended for six Leagues Cup matches after the punishment carried over from last year's final, and the preview notes that he had scored seven goals in Miami's previous four games. German Berterame is also expected to miss the opener while in concussion protocol. 1

Inter Miami will host Atlético de San Luis on Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET in the Leagues Cup opener. The official club preview confirms the matchup and kickoff. 2 In Asia/Shanghai, that is Thursday, Aug. 6 at 7:30 a.m.

The useful signal will come from the first team sheet and Messi's workload. A start would answer the selection question; his position and minutes will show how Miami replaces Suárez's output without stretching a player who has just returned from an international tournament. The lineup is still pending. 1