For years, India’s soccer fans have dreamed of seeing the world’s two biggest icons—Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo—step onto their soil.

With Inter Miami set to clash against Los Angeles Galaxy for the MLS, the absence of both stars Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul raised concern among fans.

The question that lingers is not only whether Milan can assert its dominance early but also one of intrigue: Will Santiago ...