Messi absent from MLS status report as Atlanta test approaches

Inter Miami's next test comes with Lionel Messi absent from the latest MLS status report and carrying the league's best attacking numbers. The club hosts Atlanta United on Sunday morning in Asia/Shanghai time, with former Miami coach Tata Martino returning as Atlanta's head coach. 12

Messi scored four goals and one assist in Inter Miami's 7-1 home win over CF Montréal last weekend. The performance earned him MLS Player of the Matchday honors. 2

The Montréal result left Messi with 18 MLS goals and 10 assists, or 28 goal contributions. Messi leads the league's Golden Boot race on goals, according to the Miami Herald. 3

Inter Miami are second in the Eastern Conference with 42 points from 12 wins, four losses and six draws. The club's latest five-player MLS status report lists Tadeo Allende, Gonzalo Luján, Santiago Morales, Micael and Sergio Reguilón as out. Messi is absent from that report, so the official league listing contains no current injury designation for him. 12

Tata Martino returns to South Florida with Atlanta United. Martino coached Inter Miami after Messi's arrival and led Miami to the 2024 Supporters' Shield before taking charge of Atlanta. 3

Inter Miami have also changed coaches around this match. Kily González has been hired as the new head coach, while Guillermo Hoyos remains the interim coach until González receives his work permit. The Miami Herald reported the transition as part of its Atlanta preview. 3

Atlanta's new striker Breel Embolo is available to make his debut, according to MLS. Embolo's expected minutes remain unconfirmed. 4

Inter Miami host Atlanta United at Nu Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 6, at 7:30 a.m. Asia/Shanghai. The match starts at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, Sept. 5, and streams on Apple TV. 2

The immediate questions are whether Messi starts and how González's arrival affects the coaching setup. The official status report gives Messi no injury designation; the starting lineup will be confirmed closer to kickoff. Atlanta's Embolo debut is another selection detail to watch. 14