Lionel Messi's Availability for LAFC Showdown Revealed as Inter Miami Gets Crucial Fitness News
Inter Miami can now exhale with relief as their skipper Lionel Messi has rejoined team practice before the Herons' 2026 Major League Soccer season kickoff against LAFC this Saturday evening.
Warning signals went off for the reigning MLS Cup champions when Messi was forced to exit just 12 minutes into the second period of their preseason match against Ecuador's Barcelona SC. The organization later verified that the Argentinian suffered a "muscular injury in his left hamstring."
Inter Miami provided no specific recovery timeframe for Messi, leaving supporters anxious in the days before the Herons' journey to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. However, worries subsided when the Barcelona icon took part in complete training sessions with his teammates on Wednesday afternoon.
Messi trained alongside the squad's latest acquisitions, including Javier Mascherano's new designated player Germán Berterame. These two athletes have already shown promising chemistry during preseason matches; the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient netted the Herons' first goal against Barcelona SC before assisting Berterame for their second strike.
Will Lionel Messi Play for Inter Miami vs. LAFC?
Will Lionel Messi Play for Inter Miami vs. LAFC?
Currently, all indicators suggest Messi will at minimum make the trip with the Herons to Los Angeles for their weekend showdown with LAFC. His return to practice just days before this crucial match bodes well for the striker, whose injury seemed to be merely a minor concern.
Should Messi experience no complications or additional discomfort in the upcoming days, it would be surprising if the 38-year-old were to miss this contest. At minimum, he would likely appear as a substitute if Mascherano chooses to take an extremely cautious stance with his marquee player.
Similar to the previous campaign, Messi's sustained health will continue to be the organization's primary concern, particularly with aspirations for consecutive MLS Cup victories. Additionally, this summer's World Cup creates extra motivation to maintain the Argentina captain's fitness so he can guide La Albiceleste in what may be his final tournament.
Anticipate Inter Miami to exercise maximum prudence regarding Messi, not only for Saturday's match, but throughout the months preceding football's most prestigious competition.
Messi's Record Against LAFC Speaks for Itself
Messi's Record Against LAFC Speaks for Itself
It's obvious that Mascherano will desire Messi to captain his squad onto the field Saturday night in Los Angeles. Despite being 38 years old, this legend remains MLS's premier talent and the Herons' greatest weapon against fellow 2026 MLS Cup contenders LAFC.
Apart from his abilities and guidance, Messi's performance history against the Black & Gold presents challenges for Marc Dos Santos's squad. The Argentinian has featured in three matches against the Western Conference team since his arrival in the United States and has recorded five goal contributions.
Games vs. LAFC | Goals vs. LAFC | Assists vs. LAFC |
|---|---|---|
3 | 2 | 3 |
Messi orchestrated an impressive turnaround against LAFC during last season's Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, recording two goals and one assist in the second leg to advance Inter Miami to the semifinals with a 3–2 aggregate victory.
Apart from that, Messi has only met the Los Angeles franchise once in regular MLS competition, which occurred in 2023. The former Barcelona legend didn't score in that encounter, but he provided assists for two of the Herons' three goals that evening.