Thu Sep 19 05:32:30 UTC 2024: ## Messi Benched for Inter Miami’s Match Against Atlanta United

**ATLANTA (AP)** – Lionel Messi, the Argentine superstar and Inter Miami’s leading scorer, was surprisingly left out of the starting lineup for their match against Atlanta United on Wednesday night.

Coach Gerardo Martino opted to rest the 37-year-old Messi, who is still recovering from an injury and playing a heavy schedule. The decision comes as Inter Miami aims to secure home-field advantage for the playoffs.

Messi’s return to the team last Saturday was a huge success, with the player scoring two goals and assisting on another in a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union.

While Messi was held back, another key Inter Miami player, Luis Suarez, was also on the bench for the game, which attracted a large crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, eager to see the Argentine star.

Despite his absence from the starting lineup, Messi is expected to feature in the second half, leaving fans hopeful of a thrilling performance from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Miami currently boasts the best record in Major League Soccer, making their match against Atlanta a highly anticipated one.

Read More