The wait is over for Inter Miami fans as Lionel Messi, the global soccer icon, is set to make a triumphant return to the pitch this Saturday night at Chase Stadium. The 38-year-old maestro is expected to lead Inter Miami against the reigning MLS Cup champions, LA Galaxy, in a high-stakes MLS showdown that could shake up the Eastern Conference standings.
Messi, sidelined for Inter Miami’s last two matches—a Leagues Cup clash against Pumas UNAM and an MLS regular-season defeat to Orlando City SC—suffered a soft-tissue injury to his right leg during a daring dribble attempt in the seventh minute against Necaxa. After bravely continuing for a few minutes, the Argentine superstar was forced to leave the field in the 11th minute following on-field treatment. But now, the legend is back and ready to dominate.
“Leo is fine. He’s been training with the team since Wednesday,” confirmed Inter Miami’s assistant coach Javier Mascherano in a press conference. “Barring anything unexpected today, he should make the squad for Saturday’s match.” Messi’s return couldn’t come at a better time for the Herons, who are reeling from a humbling 4–1 loss to Orlando City, a result that saw them slip to sixth in the Eastern Conference, teetering just four points above the playoff Wild Card cutoff.
This season, Messi has been nothing short of sensational, co-leading the MLS Golden Boot race with 18 goals alongside Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge. Add to that his nine assists, and Messi’s 27 goal contributions in 19 regular-season appearances underline why he remains the heartbeat of Inter Miami. Across all competitions, the Argentine has logged over 85 minutes in 27 matches, a grueling schedule that prompted co-owner Jorge Mas to prioritize his and teammate Jordi Alba’s rest over the MLS All-Star Game, resulting in a suspension for a 1–1 draw against FC Cincinnati.
With Messi back in the fold, Inter Miami are poised to unleash their full attacking arsenal against an LA Galaxy side that will need to bring their A-game to contain the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner. The Herons are not only fighting for a higher playoff seed with 10 regular-season games left but also have their sights set on a second Leagues Cup title, with a quarterfinal matchup against Tigres UANL looming on August 20.