Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez start for Inter Miami! Herons sport all four ex-Barcelona stars in XI vs El Salvador, with Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets beneath star duo

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez start alongside each other for Inter Miami in their preseason friendly vs El Salvador.

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• Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi start for Inter Miami
• Uruguayan's club debut
• Herons take on El Salvador Friday evening

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Tata Martino's side dropped their starting lineup ahead of their 2024 debut, with the Herons sporting all four ex-Barca superstars in their XI. USMNT starlet Benja Cremaschi also got the nod while new signing and USMNT midfielder Julian Gressel also got the nod.

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  THE BIG PICTURE:

  With their star attacking duo getting the nod from the beginning of the match, it sets the tone for the Herons' MLS preseason: No holding back and no resting players because they can. Tata Martino rolled out a near full-strength XI, with a few rotated players and a makeshift central defender in Deandre Yedlin in his 5-3-2 formation. Regardless, though, it's a top XI for the MLS side.

• DID YOU KNOW

  Messi and Suarez played together in the Barcelona attack for six seasons, so their chemistry should be top-notch on the pitch Friday.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  After drawing the match vs El Salvador 0-0 Friday evening, it's a quick turnaround for the Herons, as they'll take on FC Dallas Monday evening in a preseason friendly at the Cotton Bowl.