Messi Named New Captain of Inter Miami

Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino has announced that Lionel Messi, the World Cup winner, will be the new captain of the Major League Soccer team. Messi, who joined Inter Miami earlier this month, donned the captain's armband in his debut match against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup last Friday, where the Argentine striker scored a stunning free-kick goal in stoppage time. The team's former captain, Brazilian midfielder Gregore, faces an extended absence due to a foot injury. In response to a question about whether Messi will continue to lead Inter Miami, Martino told reporters, "In the last match, he wore the captain's armband and he will wear it for the upcoming period." Inter Miami is looking for another contribution from Messi to overcome Atlanta United tomorrow, Tuesday, to advance to the knockout stages.