Is Messi playing tonight? Time, how to stream

Lionel Messi came on as a substitute in the 61st minute of Inter Miami's match against Atlanta United at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, comes into the game as both teams have scored goals early in the second half.

Inter Miami leads Atlanta United 2-1 as Messi will finish this game on the pitch.

It is Messi's first away appearance for Inter Miami since his game in Montreal on May 11.

It is also Messi's second appearance in Atlanta this year after he began his Copa America run with Argentina against Canada on June 20.

USA TODAY Sports will provide live updates from the game here tonight.

MORE: Decision scenarios for the MLS playoffs in the games on Wednesday evening

Goal by Aleksei Miranchuk: Atlanta United 2, Inter Miami 2

Atlanta United's Aleksei Miranchuk scored a flawless left-footed goal in the 84th minute.^th Minute and equalized the game at 2-2, setting the stage for an exciting final against Messi and Inter Miami.

Messi and Inter Miami's offense made several attempts to break the deadlock but were unable to score again as the game was tied again.

Goal by Leonardo Campana: Inter Miami 2, Atlanta United 1

Inter Miami took the lead again just minutes after the game with a free kick goal from Leonardo Campana in the 58th minute.

It looks like Messi is about to enter the game.

Goal by Saba Lobzhanidze: Atlanta United 1, Inter Miami 1

Atlanta United took the lead in the second half, Saba Lobzhanidze scored in the 56th minute and the game was tied.

The stage could be set for Messi's appearance.

Messi starts warming up in the second half: Inter Miami 1, Atlanta United 0

Just minutes into the second half, Lionel Messi and three other teammates who had initially spent the game on the bench headed to the sidelines to warm up.

It looks like Messi will be making an appearance in tonight's game against Atlanta.

Goal by David Ruiz: Inter Miami 1, Atlanta United 0

Inter Miami is on the pitch and Lionel Messi is excited about what he sees from the bench.

David Ruiz scores in the 29th.^th Minute and Inter Miami takes an early lead against Atlanta.

How to watch Atlanta United vs Inter Miami live stream?

The Atlanta United vs. Inter Miami game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. in Argentina) and will be broadcast on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.

Why is Messi not in the starting lineup against Atlanta United?

For Inter Miami, this is the second of three games in a week, which prompted coach Tata Martino to impose a possible game limit on the Argentine world champions.

After Inter Miami's game in Atlanta, Messi and the club will face New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on Saturday.

Messi made an impressive comeback last Saturday with two goals and an assist in a 3-1 win over Philadelphia – his first game since the Copa America final on July 14, which Argentina won, after suffering a ligament injury in his right ankle.

“Leo is fine, he finished the game well. Obviously tired,” Martino told reporters on Tuesday. “It's the first 90 minutes in a long time but it ended very well. He will travel to both games. He is available but there are three games this week, travel included, so we have to take it day by day.”

Messi says he is “very happy” after his return

Messi scored goals in the 26th and 30th minutes and assisted Luis Suarez in the 98th minute, playing the full 90 minutes in his first game since July 14.

“Honestly, I'm a little tired, the humidity and heat of Miami aren't helping,” Messi said in an interview with Apple TV after the game. “But I really wanted to come back, I hadn't been on the pitch for a long time. Little by little I started training with the group, I felt good and that's why we decided that I would start. I'm very happy, very satisfied.”

Messi jerseys lead MLS sales for second year in a row

Messi's Inter Miami jersey once again topped the MLS list of best-selling jerseys, the league announced on Tuesday. His former teammates at FC Barcelona were also listed high: Luis Suarez (2nd), Sergio Busquets (11th) and Jordi Alba (15th).

The race for the MLS Supporters' Shield is coming to a head

Inter Miami have been favorites for most of the season to win the Supporters' Shield, which is awarded to the club with the best MLS record. But Messi and Inter Miami will face tough competition for their second title together. Inter Miami leads with 59 points, but second-place LA Galaxy have caught up a bit with 55 points.

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