FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi’s third game with MLS team Inter Miami will kick off in less than an hour, depending on a weather delay.
Messi and Inter Miami will face in-state rival Orlando City SC at 8 p.m. ET at DRV PNK Stadium. But the game is currently under a weather delay with lightning in the area.
Both teams will meet in in a Round of 32 Leagues Cup match, a tournament that pits MLS teams against clubs from Mexico’s Liga MX.
Messi already has three highlight goals and an assist in his MLS career through two games with Inter Miami — both victories.
Where to watch Inter Miami vs. Orlando City
Messi and Miami kick off against Orlando City at 8 p.m. ET at DVR PNK Stadium. The game will stream live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
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See the full list of Leagues Cup matches here.
Jordi Alba introduced to Inter Miami fans
Inter Miami owners Jorge and Jose Mas, and David Beckham introduced Jordi Alba before the game.
They all posed for a photo with Albi’s new Inter Miami No. 18 jersey at midfield before play began.
Albi — who was Messi’s teammate at FC Barcelona — addressed the crowd, then thanked them as the four walked off the pitch.
Inter Miami, Orlando City take the pitch to warm up after rain delay
The rain has slowed, and the players have begun warming up.
Inter Miami and Orlando City are close to kicking off in their Wednesday night Leagues Cup match.
Inter Miami, Orlando City have new kickoff time
There’s a new kickoff time to tonight’s game, given at 8:35 p.m.
Both teams will begin their warmups again at 8:50 p.m., and kickoff for tonight’s game will be at 9:35 p.m.
A grounds crew began working on the pitch as heavy rain eventually slowed in the Fort Lauderdale area.
Inter Miami, Orlando City weather delay
Wednesday night’s game between both teams has not yet begun due to a weather delay.
Heavy rain started to pour about 30 minutes before kickoff, even as players from both sides began warming up on the pitch.
Fans began to exit the stands and head for cover.
Derek Jeter in attendance for Messi game with Inter Miami
Count Derek Jeter among the celebrities to attend a Messi game with Inter Miami.
“I think everyone is obviously excited with Messi here – arguably one of the greatest players to ever play. A lot of excitement. He’s the talk of the town. I’m just looking forward to watching him play,” Jeter said in an interview with Apple TV in a suite as the rain poured on the pitch before the game.
Jeter, the New York Yankees legend, spent four seasons as CEO of the Miami Marlins, where he built a relationship with David Beckham, the former English soccer star who is a Inter Miami co-owner.
Jeter and Beckham bonded over the change in their roles from star players to team executives during their time together in South Florida.
With Messi in Inter Miami, it feels as if Beckham has found success as a team owner.
“It takes a long time to start a franchise and turn a franchise around,” Jeter said of Beckham. “I couldn’t be more excited for him.”
Will Jordi Alba play for Inter Miami?
One day after being introduced as the newest Inter Miami player, Jordi Alba will not start for his new team against Orlando City.
But Alba – the latest former Messi teammate to join him in Miami – is expected to come off the bench.
Alba has joined Messi and Sergio Busquets as former FC Barcelona players on Inter Miami’s roster.
Alba helped FC Barcelona win six LaLiga titles, five Copa del Rey titles, and the UEFA Champions League title in 2015.
Lionel Messi arrives for third Inter Miami game
Here’s video of Lionel Messi arriving to the stadium before Wednesday night’s game.
Messi has taken the fanfare surrounding his MLS arrival in stride, greeting and posing for pictures with fans.
Messi arrived wearing a pink Inter Miami t-shirt, and black shorts – already in team colors before the match.
Will Lionel Messi play for Inter Miami tonight?
Messi is in the starting lineup against Orlando City, marking his second start with the MLS team.
Messi’s came off the bench during his Inter Miami debut, and played until the 78th minute in his second game.
Here’s the starting lineups for both Inter Miami and Orlando City:
How has Messi fared in his MLS stint so far?
Messi, widely considered the greatest player in the sport, punctuated his first Inter Miami game with a game-winning goal in extra time during the 94th minute on a free kick about 25 yards out. The goal helped Inter Miami beat LIGA MX team Cruz Azul 2-1 on July 21.
Here is Messi’s first Inter Miami highlight:
In Messi’s second game, he scored two goals within the first 22 minutes of the match. He also delivered a second-half assist, leading Inter Miami to a 4-0 victory against Atlanta United on July 25.
Messi’s first goal against Atlanta was in the first nine minutes:
And here’s the highlight of Messi’s second goal against Atlanta, and his third overall so far:
