Leagues Cup, the interleague competition between Major League Soccer and Liga MX, kicks off on Tuesday as the Columbus Crew will look to defend their title aas the tournament features a new wrinkle -- only 18 MLS teams and 18 Liga MX teams in their own groups.

After serving a one-match suspension, Lionel Messi could be back on the pitch with Inter Miami for their 2025 Leagues Cup debut. Check out his status for the match against Atlas. Inter Miami will play their first match of the 2025 Leagues Cup tournament against Liga MX side Atlas tonight (July 30) at Chase Stadium.

SportsLine's Jon Eimer reveals his picks for Atlas FC vs. Inter Miami at Chase Stadium on Wednesday featuring Lionel Messi

All eyes are on Lionel Messi as he returns to the starting lineup for Inter Miami’s opening match against Atlas. The Argentine star, alongside Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets, headlines a powerful XI aiming to start the tournament strong at Chase Stadium in Florida.

Messi is not happy with his suspension from MLS and the tension could affect his future in Miami amid contract talks.

As the Herons prepare for Leagues Cup play, adding a World Cup winner in his prime could make all the difference

Rodrigo De Paul, Messi's Argentina teammate, who is amusingly known as his bodyguard, officially joined the team over the weekend and could make his debut on Wednesday at home aga