Every year, Major League Soccer is adding more and more starpower. Teams across the league are bringing in talent from all over the world, and Atlanta United and Inter Miami CF are no different. Both clubs boast attacks with European pedigree. Miguel Almirón, Emmanuel Latte Lath, Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez all had success at the highest level of world football and are now showing their quality stateside.
What are the chances that all of these attacking stars share the pitch Sunday night? Latte Lath entered concussion protocol earlier this week after picking up a knock against New York Red Bulls on Saturday. We'll know more about his status Friday when head coach Ronny Deila speaks to media, but Latte Lath was a full participant in training Wednesday, which is encouraging.
And of course, Lionel Messi's status will be highly anticipated. The Argentinian forward did not travel with Inter Miami to the club's first road game of the MLS regular season against Houston Dynamo.
Here's the sitch for Sunday: We don't know yet if Messi will play or start. Inter Miami plays Jamaican side Cavalier Soccer Club in the CONCACAF Champions Cup Thursday night. Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano told media Wednesday that Messi will be traveling with the team for that game but is not confirmed to be a starter. Messi's chances of playing at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Sunday may depend on whether or not he is in the starting XI for Miami tonight. Still, Miami is already ahead 2-0 on aggregate in the tie, so Messi may not play a full 90 minutes even if he does.
Mascherano may want to preserve his star forward's legs if he does choose to start Messi Thursday night, which would make an appearance in Atlanta less likely. The 5-Stripes' focus doesn't change based on that news, though. Atlanta United has bested Inter Miami sides with and without Messi, even winning a playoff series against them last season.
Brooks Lennon, who could be making his own return Sunday, talked about Messi's impact on the league after Atlanta United's training Wednesday.
"The growth of the league over the last couple years since he's joined is unbelievable," Lennon said. "Every single person I've talked to outside of this facility is always asking me if I've played against Messi, especially the little ones. And I think it's great. It's good for the youth of soccer, and hopefully we can keep most of our American talent here in the States instead of overseas."
No matter whether Messi or Latte Lath or anyone else plays, one thing is for sure: this game will be intense and a battle of two teams with the highest of aspirations this season. Tickets are still available for a match that, if the past is any indicator, has game of the year potential.
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