Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul LIVE streaming info, Leagues Cup: Preview, when and where to watch Messi debut match?

Here is all you need to know about the League Cup clash between Cruz Azul and Inter Miami, happening at the DRV PNK stadium in Florida.

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, second from left, does drills during practice ahead of the clash against Cruz Azul in the League Cup. | Photo Credit: AP

PREVIEW

MLS will embark on a new era Friday, although Lionel Messi’s expected debut for Inter Miami will not come in an official league match.

FOLLOW INTER MIAMI VS CRUZ AZUL - MESSI DEBUT LIVE

The Argentine superstar instead will guide Inter Miami in a Leagues Cup match against Mexico’s Cruz Azul in Fort Lauderdale in Florida.

Form guide (all competitions)

Inter Miami: L-L-D

Cruz Azul: L-L-L

Predicted lineups

Inter Miami: Callender; Yedlin, Kryvtsov, Miller, Allen; Taylor, Cremaschi, Arroyo, Robinson; Campana, Martinez

Cruz Azul: Gudino; Huescas, Ditta, Salcedo, Rivero; Lira, Rodriguez; Antuna, Rotondi, Moises; Cambindo

*Messi is not expected to make the starting lineup but will come in as a substitute

After Messi revealed earlier this summer he would be continuing his career in Miami, less than a year removed from capturing a World Cup title, his signing became official last Saturday.

WATCH | Lionel Messi officially unveiled as Inter Miami player

The team unveiled him to fans on Sunday night, and he joined his first team training on Tuesday ahead of the first match of a new tournament that is a joint venture between MLS and Liga MX, Mexico’s top flight.

“I can’t wait to start training, start competing,” Messi said during his unveiling. “I’m arriving with the same desire I’ve always had: to compete, to want to win, to want to help the club keep growing.”

All 47 teams from both leagues will be competing during the month-long event as each participating club takes a break from its domestic season.

The top three finishers will qualify for next year’s CONCACAF Champions Cup, with the winner receiving a bye into the round of 16.

In MLS play, Inter Miami currently sit in last place in the Eastern Conference table, 12 points beneath the playoff line with 12 regular-season matches to play. Inter Miami won’t continue their regular-season pursuit until Aug. 20 with a home date against Charlotte FC.

Messi is only the centerpiece of a dramatic summer overhaul by the Herons. They also signed Messi’s former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, as well as Paraguayan 20-year-old prospect Diego Gomez.

READ | Messi gets down to business in Florida heat

Former Barca teammate Andres Iniesta has also been linked with a move to Miami.

“I’m very happy to have chosen to come to this city with my family, to have chosen this project,” Messi said. “And I have no doubts we’re going to enjoy this and we’re going to have a good time and, well, a lot of beautiful things are going to happen.”

Cruz Azul is a nine-time champion in Mexico, most recently winning the Liga MX title in the spring 2021 season to end a 23-year title drought. But it has lost its first three matches of the current fall “Apertura” campaign and was knocked out in the first round of last spring’s playoffs.

Defender Ignacio Rivero has Cruz Azul’s only goal of the new season.

Streaming information

When does the League Cup clash between Cruz Azul and Inter Miami start?

The League Cup clash between Cruz Azul and Inter Miami will start at 5:30am IST at the DRV PNK stadium in Florida.

Where can I watch League Cup clash between Cruz Azul and Inter Miami?

The League Cup clash between Cruz Azul and Inter Miami will be available to stream on Apple TV+ on subscription basis. The match will not be telecast in India.