The legend of Lionel Messi continues to grow. The Argentina star had never played American football before joining Inter Miami and ever since his debut, he has seemed to be the driving force of his team's success. Prior to Messi's arrival, the David Beckham co-owned outfit had last won a game in the U.S Open Cup quarterfinal against Birmingham Legion FC. Now, they have had an unbeaten Leagues Cup 2023 campaign which finished with them clinching the title--the club's first-ever piece of silverware. Safe to say, he has already become an Inter Miami great! As the MLS outfit gets set to take on FC Cincinnati in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal, fans might wonder if Messi will play the match or not and in this article, we explore just that. Lionel Messi Shares Special Moment With Inter Miami Co-Owner David Beckham After League Cup 2023 Title Victory (Watch Video).

The FIFA World Cup 2022 winner has been in red-hot form and taken to life in the US as a fish to water. He has scored in every game he has played so far, amassing a total of 10 goals in seven matches for his new club. Apart from his goals, Messi also has entertained the crowd with a myriad of superhero-like celebrations and also heartwarming gestures to his teammates, one of which includes handing the armband to DeAndre Yedlin, Inter Miami's captain before him during their Leagues Cup trophy ceremony.

Will Lionel Messi play today in FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami, U.S. Open Cup 2023 Semifinal Match?

The good news for fans is that Messi will play this match. As a matter of fact, he is set to start once again as was confirmed by head coach Gerardo Martino. Messi has played non-stop since the Leagues Cup 2023 campaign for Inter Miami began and although there arose speculations of him being rested, they all were put to rest by 'Tata' Martino who said that the star man would play until he asks for rest. Lionel Messi Becomes Most Decorated Player in Football History, Achieves Feat By Clinching Leagues Cup 2023 Title.

Given that it is a semifinal, Inter Miami would need the services of Messi in their ranks as he has proved to be the main difference maker for them in recent times. The Argentina star would also want to add to his goal-scoring tally for Inter Miami.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 23, 2023 02:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).