Messi to Return Just in Time for the Leagues Cup

Inter Miami vs Atlas

Inter Miami will attempt to win their second Leagues Cup trophy in the last three editions, and they will open their 2025 campaign with a match against Liga MX side Atlas on Wednesday at the Chase Stadium. 

This year, 36 teams have joined the Leagues Cup, but only four Liga MX and four Major League Soccer sides can qualify for the knockout rounds. With that said, Inter Miami and Atlas are eager to start fast to book their spots as soon as possible.

The Herons are coming off a goalless draw against FC Cincinnati, as they were without Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba due to suspensions. The former Barcelona duo is expected to return to head coach Javier Mascherano’s rotation this week, reuniting them with Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets. Meanwhile, Atlas are coming off a heated 3-1 loss against Monterrey last Sunday 

Which team will come out on top? Continue reading below for today’s SBOTOP preview.

 

Talking Points

Messi and Alba should be back for Inter Miami

Inter Miami have won just one of their last three Major League Soccer games heading into Wednesday’s contest against Atlas. A 5-1 thrashing of the New York Red Bulls is sandwiched in between a 3-0 loss to FC Cincinnati and a goalless draw over the weekend against the same team in Florida.

Many would argue that the Herons could’ve won against FC Cincinnati in the second game if Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were around. The two Inter Miami stars were not in the lineup because they had to serve their suspensions after they skipped the 2025 Major League Soccer All-Star game.

Before he was banned, Messi was in superb form. In his last five appearances, the 38-year-old talisman helped the Herons win five games, notching a brace in each match and several assists. The suspension has reportedly upset Messi (according to managing owner Jorge Mas) because it halted his form, but this may turn out to be a blessing in disguise because he gained some much-needed rest.

​Meanwhile, Inter Miami recently confirmed the addition of Rodrigo De Paul to their ranks. The Atletico Madrid loanee should solidify the Herons’ midfield, and he could make a cameo against Atlas.

 

Atlas are in mixed form

Atlas are also in mixed form heading into Wednesday, as they’ve won just one of their past four matches across all competitions. Further underlining their mixed results are the absence of clean sheets, as Los Rojinegros haven’t had a shutout since holding Pachuca scoreless last February.

Gonzalo Pineda’s men have always qualified for the Leagues Cup knockouts. They lost to the New England Revolution in 2023 and Club America last year.

Atlas will miss several key players, as Edgar Zaldivar and Mauro Manotas are unavailable due to long-term knee injuries. Carlos Robles is questionable to play against the Herons. 

Diego Gonzalez is surely on top of Inter Miami’s scouting report, as he figures to be Atlas’ top attacking threat. The 22-year-old Lazio loanee has scored one goal and two assists in Atlas’ three Liga MX Apertura matches thus far.

 

History

The Leagues Cup was first held in July 2019, with only four teams from the Liga MX and Major League Soccer competing. The first edition was a singles-elimination tournament hosted in the United States, with the final played in Whitney, Nevada.

It was in 2023 when the tournament started to expand. After including 47 and 45 Liga MX and Major League Soccer sides in 2023 and 2024, the tournament reduced the playing field to 36 teams, 18 from the Liga MX and 18 from Major League Soccer.

Cruz Azul won the inaugural edition of this tournament in 2019, and Leon followed suit in 2021. There wasn’t a Leagues Cup in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and no champion was crowned in 2022. Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup in 2023, their first trophy in franchise history. Columbus Crew defeated the Herons in the Round of 16 last year en route to winning the crown.

Wednesday marks the first-ever competitive meeting between Inter Miami and Atlas.

 

Betting Tip

The Leagues Cup 2025 odds expect Inter Miami to record their first win of the tournament against their Liga MX counterparts. The Herons are 1.40 favourites to win at home, while Los Rojinegros are huge 5.20 underdogs, and a draw is at 4.19 in the 1X2 market. 

Given Atlas’ porous defence and Inter Miami’s firepower, fans at the Chase Stadium should get their dose of Leagues Cup 2025 highlights, with Inter Miami likely to score more goals.

   

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