Inter Miami vs. Atlas: Is Rodrigo De Paul available for Leagues Cup opener?

Inter Miami's new signing Rodrigo De Paul will be available for Wednesday's Leagues Cup clash against Atlas. 

The Herons recently announced that De Paul had joined the MLS franchise from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.

Argentine De Paul has joined on an initial loan deal until the end of the 2025 season, with an option to make the move permanent.

De Paul watched from the stands as Inter Miami played out a goalless draw with FC Cincinnati in Saturday's clash at Chase Stadium. 

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MLS confirm De Paul availability

After being a spectator at the weekend, De Paul is now in contention to make his debut in the Leagues Cup opener against Mexican side Atlas.

The MLS has confirmed that De Paul is eligible for selection after all the 'necessary paperwork' was processed in time for Wednesday's fixture.

De Paul has not played a competitive match since he featured in Atletico Madrid's final Club World Cup group game against Botafogo on June 23.

As a result, the 31-year-old will be lacking match sharpness and is only likely to be on the bench for the midweek outing. 

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Are Messi and Alba available to play against Atlas?

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were both suspended for Saturday's goalless draw with Cincinnati.

The pair received the punishment after they withdrew from last week's MLS All-Star match due to undisclosed reasons.

League rules state that any player who chooses to miss the event without a legitimate reason is at risk of a one-game ban.

Having served their respective bans, Messi and Alba are both in contention to start in the first match of Inter Miami's Leagues Cup campaign.

Javier Mascherano's side will face Atlas, Necaxa and Pumas UNAM in the new-look league phase format.