Lionel Messi not in starting lineup for his Inter Miami debut against Cruz Azul

By TIM REYNOLDS
AP Sports Writer

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi’s debut gameday with Inter Miami has arrived. Messi is not in the starting lineup for Friday night’s game with Inter Miami taking on Cruz Azul in a Leagues Cup match at his new home stadium. Team officials say all tickets have been sold, though thousands were available for resale on secondary markets Friday morning. It’s unclear how much Messi will be on the field in his debut. He signed a 2 1/2-year contract with Inter Miami this past weekend, and the deal will pay him between $50 million and $60 million annually. Miami co-owner David Beckham calls Messi the best player ever.