"Time to find something else to do", "Goodnight!" - Fans react as Lionel Messi left out of XI for Inter Miami's clash against Atlanta United

Fans have reacted on social media to Lionel Messi being left out of Inter Miami's starting lineup to face Atlanta United in the MLS. The table-toppers are in Georgia and will face their hosts at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday (September 18).

There were uncertainties about whether Messi would start, as he returned just last week from a rather lengthy injury. The 37-year-old had been out of contention since July 14 when he picked up a ligament injury while leading Argentina in their 1-0 Copa America final win over Colombia.

Messi returned to full fitness, albeit in wonderful style, as he scored a brace and assisted one goal against Philadelphia Union on Saturday (September 14). However, the legendary playmaker will have to take on their next opponents from the bench.

Fans are not pleased about this, as they took to social media to share their reactions.

"Alright, time to find something else to do for the next 3 hours," one fan wrote.

"Ah! Messi on the bench?! Goodnight!" another fan added.

"I won’t be watching then," a third noted.

"Wait why are Messi and Suárez on the bench wtf😂😂" another laughed.

"I will watch when Messi comes on," a fifth revealed.

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Tata Martino gives update on Lionel Messi's fitness ahead of Inter Miami's clash against Atlanta

Inter Miami boss Tata Martino has provided an update about Lionel Messi's fitness ahead of their clash against Atlanta. The legendary Argentine playmaker played the full 90 minutes in his first game back when they faced Philadelphia Union on September 14.

This raised questions about the icon's fitness as they have had only a three-day gap since the Philadelphia clash. However, at a recent press conference, Tata Martino said Messi is doing fine (via Inter Miami News):

“Leo came out of the last game fine. Obviously, he was tired, it was his first 90 minutes after a long time, but he finished very well. He will travel to both games, but we have three games in one week, two on the road, so we have to go day by day and not stretch him or the other players."

"With the international break, he had 15 days to get back into game shape and when he starts a game, it is very difficult to take him out. He was feeling good and even when he is tired, his mind is still working, anything can happen," he added.

With fans waiting to see the best of Lionel Messi, the star would hope to come off the bench and ensure a win over Atlanta. Inter Miami sit 10 points above Cincinnati in the league standings and will look to further extend that gap.