Inter Miami suggest Lionel Messi will finally return to action vs. Cincinnati

Lionel Messi has been on the sidelines for a while now, but Inter Miami seemed to confirm the Argentine star will show up on Saturday night against Cincinnati.

Updated on October 07, 2023 11:20AM EDT

**© Andy Lyons/Getty Images**Lionel Messi celebrating an Inter Miami goal

Inter Miami need Lionel Messi more than ever. The 2023 MLS season is reaching its final stages, and the upcoming home game against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, October 7 could be crucial for their playoff aspirations.

Gerardo Martino’s men are 14th in the Eastern Conference standings with 33 points, five shy of Montreal, who are currently claiming the last postseason ticket. The Herons have a game in hand, though.

The Argentine star has missed the last four games due to muscle fatigue, and Miami has lost each of those matches – including the US Open Cup final. Fortunately, it looks like his return is right around the corner.

Inter Miami seemingly confirm Messi’s presence vs. Cincinnati

“Nos vemos mañana (See you tomorrow),” Inter Miami wrote on social media. This post all but confirms that Lionel Messi will be in action when the Herons welcome FC Cincinnati to DRV PNK Stadium on Oct. 7 at 7:30 PM (ET).

The 36-year-old has been on the sidelines since he asked to be subbed off only 36 minutes into the Toronto FC fixture. With his team’s playoff hopes on the line, Leo will make a long-awaited return.

How many games do Inter Miami have left?

Inter Miami only have three games left this season. After taking on Cincinnati, Messi and company will face Charlotte FC in consecutive matches.

Martín O’Donnell

Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Managing Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of multiple sports, including NFL and soccer, with a specialty in original content and real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Managing Editor since May 2025, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis with interviews and exclusive content.