Only two months and a half after capturing the first MLS Cup title in club history, Inter Miami will be back in action on Saturday against Los Angeles FC. Miami wants to start their season in a winning way, but Lionel Messi‘s preseason injury dampened expectations.
Hamstring discomfort forced Inter Miami to cancel a preseason trip to Puerto Rico, and put the team captain’s status for the first game in jeopardy. Thankfully, reports claim that Messi has recovered quicker than expected, putting him on track to play on Saturday in Los Angeles.
Lionel Messi set to play in MLS season opener vs. LAFC, Javier Mascherano confirms
As if there was any doubt, manager Javier Mascherano spoke openly about Messi’s status the day before the season opener, and it’s great news for Miami fans.
"Messi is good. He trained the whole week with the group and had a very good feeling. He comes in well, ready just like the rest of the team.“
LAFC may have been hoping to catch a break and not see the two-time reigning MLS MVP, but Messi will be out there; whether it’s from the get-go or off the bench, is yet to be determined.
Miami will have a target on its back during the 2026 season, as they're coming off a championship-winning campaign. Messi has played the most pivotal role in making that happen, and he's hungry as always to keep winning this year.
