Inter Miami lineup vs. Atlas: Predicted XI for Leagues Cup match as Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba return

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba are set to rejoin Javier Mascherano’s squad when Inter Miami host Liga MX side Atlas at Chase Stadium in Wednesday’s Leagues Cup opener.

The Herons captain and left-back were required to sit out the MLS match against FC Cincinnati after missing the All-Star Game, and their suspension received widespread criticism from observers.

Having failed to score in Messi’s absence, the Florida-based club should be confident of finding the net against an opponent that has not kept a clean sheet in a competitive fixture since February.

Adding to the anticipation for Wednesday’s match is the expected debut of Rodrigo De Paul, Messi’s Argentina teammate; however, it remains to be seen if the Atletico Madrid loanee will start for Mascherano’s team.

Likely to keep their places in the side amid injury issues are Rocco Rios Novo, who should continue to stand in for Oscar Ustari in goal after the veteran goalkeeper tore his hamstring in mid-July's 3-0 defeat by Cincinnati.

Three of the four players who began in front of Novo at the weekend could retain their positions, with Marcelo Weigandt, Tomas Aviles and Gonzalo Lujan playing in defence, while Alba replaces Benjamin Cremaschi at left-back.

Telasco Segovia and Tadeo Allende could also keep their roles out wide, flanking central midfielders Federico Redondo and Sergio Busquets, while Messi is expected to take a free role behind Luis Suarez up front.

Possible absentees due to injury include Allen Obando (hamstring), while definitely missing are Ustari, Drake Callender (hernia), Ian Fray (adductor) and Baltasar Rodriguez (hamstring).

Inter Miami possible starting lineup:

Novo; Weigandt, Aviles, Lujan, Alba; Busquets, Redondo; Allende, Messi, Segovia; Suarez