Why is Inter Miami vs Atlanta United delayed and when will it start? Is Lionel Messi playing tonight?

A weather delay warning is displaced at Nu Stadium before the MLS soccer match between Inter Miami and Atlanta United. | Photo Credit: AP

The Major League Soccer (MLS) match between Inter Miami and Atlanta United saw weather play spoilsport, affecting the kick-off of the match, at the Nu Stadium in Florida, United States on Saturday.

The match, slated to be the first game after Lionel Messi’s international retirement, saw fans turn up in numbers but the match scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm local time was delayed.

Why was the match delayed?

The MLS match of Inter Miami was delayed because of rain and thunderstorm in and around the stadium.

The digital board in the stadium read: “A weather delay is currently in effect. Please remain under the covered areas of the bowl or concourses and await further instruction. We will provide updates as conditions develop. The scoreboard shows MIA 0, ATL 0, with 30:00 on the clock.”

Is Lionel Messi playing tonight?

Yes. Lionel Messi is named in the starting XI of Inter Miami in its match against Atlanta United. Messi is one of the three players in Miami’s forward line, with Luis Suarez and German Berterame being the other two.