Lionel Messi Jordi Alba Inter Miami Leagues Cup 2023@MLS
Jacob Schneider

Lionel Messi starts! Argentine joined by ex-Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets in Inter Miami XI vs NYCFC in Noche d'Or friendly

Major League SoccerLionel MessiInter Miami CFNew York City FCClub Friendlies

All three of Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets were named to the Inter Miami starting XI Friday evening vs NYCFC.

  • Messi starts friendly
  • Noche d'Or friendly celebrating Argentine
  • Won eighth Ballon d'Or

WHAT HAPPENED? Ahead of their intra-league friendly against New York City FC Friday night, where the league and Inter Miami are set to celebrate the Argentine's eighth Ballon d'Or win, Lionel Messi was named to the starting XI.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Messi has now won more Ballon d'Or trophies than any footballer, past or present, after claiming his most recent just weeks ago. Now, the league is set to celebrate the world's most iconic player on a night dedicated to him.

IN A PHOTO:

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Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets 2023Getty Images

WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI? They take on NYCFC Friday night in the Noche d'Or friendly.

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