There's plenty at stake for Lionel Messi in Game 3 of the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs vs. Atlanta. Is there any reason to panic?

Inter Miami face Atlanta United this Saturday in the second game of the opening round of the MLS Playoffs, and head coach Gerardo Martino has made a decision regarding Lionel Messi’s inclusion in the starting lineup.

Miami had just three regular starters in the lineup that day, Drake Callender, Marcelo Weigandt and Julian Gressel. Messi, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba were left out of the starting lineup to rest, and Sergio Busquets was suspended for yellow card accumulation. Martino was also suspended and watched the game from a stadium suite.

Lionel Messi’s first MLS playoff game could be the most-watched match in Apple TV’s history. Inter Miami will host Atlanta United on Friday night.

This Friday night, Inter Miami and Atlanta United kick off the opening round of the MLS Eastern Conference playoffs. Head coach Gerardo Martino has made a definitive decision on Lionel Messi’s presence in the lineup.

The playoffs began on Oct. 22 with the wildcard round and the main even started Friday, October 23 with the first round best of three series matchups as Inter Miami topped Atlanta United 2-1 in their series opener.

Atlanta United snatched a dramatic last-gasp 2-1 playoff victory over Inter Miami on Saturday (Sunday in Manila), jolting Lionel Messi's hopes of leading the Florida club to MLS Cup glory. Portuguese winger Xande Silva blasted home a sensational winner for Atlanta in the fourth minute of stoppage time in front of 68,