Tata Martino confirms Leo Messi's new role in Miami after explosive debut

Lionel Messi has landed on his feet in Miami. The Argentine star needed little more than half an hour on the pitch to start to make a difference for Inter Miami as his free-kick gave them a last-gasp victory over Cruz Azul on the opening day of the Leagues Cup.

In that game, Messi only played 36 minutes, but coach 'Tata' Martino has already confirmed that his role will soon grow. The Argentine confirmed that both Messi and Sergio Busquets will play more in the next game.

"It's very likely that Leo and Busi will play more time, even from the start," Martino said. "We all know that when Leo starts he always plays the full 90 minutes, so it all depends on how he feels."

Messi's impact, in the words of Martino, has not taken long to be reflected in the dressing room.

"In the first few minutes we looked like a team of beginners, but after Leo and Busi came on, the players felt that those who came on were going to protect them, and that's good because they are growing alongside him and feel a very important support," he stressed, before suggesting that Messi "will be the captain of the team."

Despite the euphoria following the recent victory, Martino warned of the dangers of their next opponents, Atlanta United, who have World Cup winner Thiago Almada in their ranks.

"Atlanta are very well coached," he added. "Gonzalo's time in charge is important and they have an exceptional player like Thiago to watch out for."