The world will be watching when Inter Miami and Cruz Azul go head-to-head on July 21 at DRV PINK Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Despite both teams sitting at the bottom of their respective conferences, this matchup is one that has been circled and constantly talked about since Lionel Messi made his decision to join Inter Miami back in June.
It will be a monumental moment for Major League Soccer, even if Messi and Sergio Busquets only play roughly 20 minutes. DRV PINK Stadium will be full of Miami supporters craving to see the legendary figure coming off a World Cup winning season.
This will be the first meeting between Inter Miami and Cruz Azul, and it's shaping up to be one of most anticipates games featuring an MLS side.
Where to watch Inter Miami vs. Cruz Azul on TV/live stream?
When is kick-off? 8:00 PM EST
Where is the game being played? DRV PINK Stadium
TV channel/live stream? MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, TUDN, Univision
What time does TV coverage start? 7:30 PM EST
Inter Miami team news
The Herons are still waiting on a few key injuries to help their cause in the middle of the park. Team captain Gregore is still recovering from a Lisfranc injury and is expected to be back by the middle of Septmber, while Jean Mota is on the way back from a LCL injury and is on track to return in November. Tata Martino will lean on Benjamin Cremaschi, Dixon Arroyo, and new signing Sergio Busquets in their absences.
Left-back Franco Negri will not play again for Miami in 2023 after suffering a left ACL tear last month vs. Philadelphia Union. Christopher McVey normally plays as a center-back but can play left-back, with the young Noah Allen providing the same versatility for the rest of the season.
Corentin Jean will also miss the rest of the current campaign after suffering a left ACL injury earlier in the season. Miami has plenty of forwards and wingers that will get chances in the meantime, with the likes of Leonardo Campana, Josef Martinez, and of course, Messi all in the mix.
"From what I have seen up to now they are going fit to play and it is likely that on Friday they can be there. Whether that will be as starters or coming in at the half, we will have to make that decision yet, but as I see it, Leo as well as Busi can play [on Friday]," Martino said regarding Messi's and Busquets' availability in an interview with ESPN Futbol.
Miami are winless in their last five games in MLS play, losing to Philadelphia and St. Louis City, while drawing against Columbus, Austin, and D.C. United.
Cruz Azul team news
Defender Juan Escobar is a doubt for the game as he's dealing with a muscle injury, and fellow defender Carlos Vargas remains on the injury list as he misses the rest of 2023 with a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Jesus Escoboza and Ignacio Rivero will be called upon by Cruz Azul head coach Ricardo Ferretti to take on full-back duties.
Cruz Azul's 2023 Apertura season hasn't gone to plan in their first three games, as they are still searching for their first win. They've scored just one goal in three games played, and have lost to the likes of Atlas, Toluca, and Tijuana.
Prediction
Both teams aren't in good form coming into the game, and eyes will be on Inter Miami to see what they can do at home with Messi's debut. Everything is pointing to a narrow Miami win as the squad is still gelling together with their new teammates.
Prediction: Inter Miami 2-0 Cruz Azul
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This article was originally published on 90min as Inter Miami vs. Cruz Azul - Leagues Cup preview: TV channel/live stream, team news & prediction.
