Inter Miami confirm Lionel Messi’s MLS debut has been delayed

Lionel Messi will have to wait to make his MLS bow, due to Inter Miami’s progression in the Leagues Cup.

Messi has hit the ground running with the Florida-based club, netting seven goals in his first four matches.

Messi will have to wait for his MLS debut with Inter MiamiAFP

The 36-year-old helped his side to book their place in the Leagues Cup quarter-finalsAFP

The Argentina World Cup winner also scored a last-gasp 94th minute free-kick on his debut against Cruz Azul.

All four of those appearances have come in the MLS Leagues Cup, having helped Tata Martino’s side reach the quarter-finals.

Following Inter Miami’s penalty shootout victory over FC Dallas in the last-16 of the competition, he will now have to wait longer for his league debut.

Messi had been due to appear in the league for the first time against Charlotte FC at DRV PNK Stadium on Sunday August 20.

Though that game has since been postponed, with both teams facing off against each other in the Leagues Cup on Friday.

So either Inter Miami or Charlotte will participate in the semi-finals, with the final and the third-place playoff being held on Saturday August 19.

Messi scored three consecutive doubles as Miami progressed through to the last eight, including a late equaliser in Sunday’s win over Dallas.

The 36-year-old found the back of the net in the 4-4 draw with Dallas, before scoring in the shootout.

Messi already has seven goals in his first four appearancesAFP

He already sits as the joint-fourth highest scorer in Miami’s history with seven goals.

Gonzalo Higuain with 29 goals, and current Inter players Leo Campana (16) and Robert Taylor (8) are the only players to have more.