Despite the Colorado Rapids dominating the opening stages, Inter Miami took the lead in the 18th minute following a clinical penalty from Lionel Messi. While the Rapids pressed relentlessly for an equalizer, the visitors struck again just seconds before the halftime whistle, with German Berterame finding the back of the net with a header to double the advantage.

Coming out of the break, it seemed the Herons would comfortably control the match with their two-goal cushion. However, the Rapids fought back as Rafael Navarro finished off a brilliant team move to restore hope at Empower Field. The stadium erupted just two minutes later when substitute Darren Yapi scored the equalizer, leveling the score and shifting the momentum entirely in favor of the hosts.

With Inter Miami struggling to cope with the pressure, Messi surfaced once again. The captain produced a moment of individual magic to score a fantastic winner, securing a vital victory for his side. With these three points, the Herons now sit just one point behind Nashville, firmly establishing themselves among the top spots in the standings.

The Argentine star has recently been a regular starter, completing full matches in several of Inter Miami’s latest MLS outings, which increases the likelihood of his involvement in this high-profile road game.

However, as is often the case in MLS matches played at altitude in Denver, coaching staff typically manage workloads carefully, especially for veteran players, making late rotation decisions a real possibility.

What happened to Lionel Messi?

Lionel Messi has not suffered any major injury in the 2026 MLS season, but Guillermo Hoyos‘ team has managed his workload carefully due to recent minor muscle strain concerns earlier in the year.

He did miss training during parts of the preseason after dealing with a mild hamstring issue, which forced the club to adjust his preparation schedule, but he has since returned to regular availability in MLS competition.

Recent reports confirm that his status has been managed game by game rather than being part of a long-term absence scenario. Despite those precautions, he has remained a central figure for Inter Miami.

How has Lionel Messi performed in the MLS season?

Lionel Messi has been one of the most decisive players in the 2026 MLS season for the popular soccer club, consistently producing goals, assists and match-winning moments despite a carefully managed workload.

So far in the campaign, he has recorded multiple goals in limited appearances, including standout performances where he directly influenced results with goals and assists in crucial moments.

Statistical tracking shows he has remained highly efficient, averaging strong goal contributions per match despite not always playing full 90-minute games. Beyond the numbers, his influence remains tactical and structural.

His efficiency is one of the key storylines of the season: fewer minutes than in his peak years, but still elite-level production and game-changing influence whenever he steps onto the pitch.

Lionel Messi schedule: MLS season timeline and 2026 World Cup dates

The 2026 MLS regular season will end on November 7, 2026 (Decision Day), while the MLS Cup Playoffs will run through mid-to-late December, with the championship final scheduled for December 18, 2026.

That means Lionel Messi and all MLS players competing in the postseason would finish their club commitments in December 2026 at the latest, depending on how far their team advances in the playoffs.

On the international side, the FIFA World Cup 2026 takes place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, which falls right in the middle of the MLS season. This means there is no “after MLS” transition into the tournament.

Messi would temporarily leave club duty for national team duty and then return to MLS afterward if still active. In simple terms: MLS spans most of the year (February–December), while the World Cup happens in summer (June–July).

“The Argentine footballer and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Leo Messi, has formalized the acquisition of UE Cornella, becoming the new owner of the Baix Llobregat club. With this operation, Messi reinforces his close relationship with Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sports and local talent in Catalonia,” UE Cornella announced in an official statement.

While Cristiano Ronaldo’s Almeria are currently battling for promotion in the second division—sitting third with 61 points—Messi’s new side finds itself in a similar position one tier below. UE Cornella currently occupy third place with 55 points in Group 5 of the third division with only a few matches remaining in the season.

UE Cornella: A hub for top talent

Though not a global household name, UE Cornella are renowned for their exceptional youth academy, which has produced several high-profile players. The club takes pride in having developed stars such as Arsenal and Spain goalkeeper David Raya, former Spanish international Jordi Alba, current Barcelona defender Gerard Martin, and Real Betis captain Aitor Ruibal, all of whom spent formative years in the club’s ranks.

Not Messi’s first foray into club ownership

UE Cornella is not the first club in Messi’s portfolio. In May 2025, Luis Suarez announced that the Argentine had joined as a co-owner of Deportivo LSM in Uruguay, a club Suarez himself founded in 2018. The team debuted in the Uruguayan fourth tier but quickly earned promotion to the third division after winning the championship in its inaugural season.

The key difference with UE Cornella is that Messi serves as the sole owner of the Spanish club, whereas at Deportivo LSM, he shares ownership with his Inter Miami teammate.

Looking ahead, The Athletic has reported that Messi’s current Inter Miami contract includes an option to receive an ownership stake in the organization, which could be activated once he retires. This could result in the Argentine being involved in the boardrooms of three different clubs once his playing career concludes.

These three forwards are among the top scorers in the competition, although they are not the only ones. In fact, Robert Lewandowski currently ranks third with 109 goals. The Polish striker reached the 70-goal mark in 93 matches.

Two other former Real Madrid players are also currently in the top five. Karim Benzema scored 90 goals, while Raul netted 71 times.

The French forward’s achievement this evening in Munich was not his only milestone. Mbappe also reached 10 away goals, something neither Messi nor Ronaldo managed to accomplish.

The first UCL goal of Messi, Ronaldo, and Mbappe

The first Champions League goals for the sport’s most iconic forwards came against diverse European competition across different eras. Lionel Messi opened his account in the 2005-06 edition during a 5-0 victory for Barcelona against Panathinaikos, while Cristiano Ronaldo had to wait until the 2006-07 season to score his first, netting twice in Manchester United’s famous 7-1 thrashing of A.S. Roma.

Years later, Kylian Mbappe announced himself to the world in the 2016-17 campaign, scoring his debut goal for Monaco in a high-scoring round of 16 thriller against Manchester City.

Top 10 Champions League goal scorers

• Cristiano Ronaldo, 140 (Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus)
• Lionel Messi, 129 (Barcelona, PSG)
• Robert Lewandowski, 109 (Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Barcelona)
• Karim Benzema, 90 (Lyon, Real Madrid)
• Raul Gonzalez, 71 (Real Madrid, Schalke 04)
• Kylian Mbappe, 70 (Monaco, PSG, Real Madrid)
• Thomas Muller, 57 (Bayern Munich)
• Erling Haaland, 57 (Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City)
• Ruud van Nistelrooy, 56 (PSV, Manchester United, Real Madrid)
• Harry Kane, 52 (Tottenham, Bayern Munich)

Not even the fact Mbappe played with a plaster on his face due to a gruesome cut above his right eyebrow prevented him from making his presence felt against Bayern Munich. Mbappe scored in the first half to put Real Madrid temporarily ahead 3-2 on the scoreboard (and temporarily 4-4 on aggregate), and he achieved what Messi and Ronaldo never could.

Mbappe has scored 10 times away from Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, cementing his status as a road killer. Mbappe has registered 15 goals in 11 games in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. That means he has scored twice as many away from home, as he has five tallies in home games. However, it wasn’t enough as Real Madrid were knocked out of the tournament by Bayern Munich.

Bigger sample size for Mbappe in 2025-26

Though it takes nothing away from Mbappe’s incredible milestone, there is a factor that can’t be overlooked. Under the current Champions League format, teams can play up to seven away games from the league phase through the grand final.

Neither Ronaldo nor Messi played under this format in their careers, so their away games were limited to six. It’s only one more game, but when it comes to players like Mbappe, Messi, and Ronaldo—who can score multiple goals night in and night out—it makes a big difference. Most likely, Ronaldo or Messi would have reached the 10-goal mark in away games in a single Champions League edition had they played under the current league format.

It’s all counterfactual, but it’s still relevant to fully comprehend Mbappe’s accomplishment. Regardless, Mbappe has made Champions League history in 2025–26, and the record books will reflect just that.

All-time leading goal scorers in UEFA Champions League

With his goal against Real Madrid, Mbappe netted his 70th career goal in the UEFA Champions League. Now, he stands exactly at the halfway line to reach Cristiano Ronaldo at the top. The best player in Portugal history has scored 140 goals (with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus) in Europe’s most prestigious clubs competition. However, as Real Madrid were eliminated, Mbappe will have to wait for the 2026-27 edition to resume his chase.

As for Messi, the Argentinian magician is second in all-time scoring with 129 tallies for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Robert Lewandowski closes out the podium with 109 goals (Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona).

“I know something, we’ll leave it there,” Hoyos told Cracks reporter Manu Bravo when asked if he was aware of Inter Miami’s interest in Casemiro. However, the Argentine coach doubled down when the reporter pressed on the likelihood of a deal, remaining silent for a moment before adding: “The silence tells you”.

Despite the growing buzz, Inter Miami may face stiff competition. Tom Bogert of The Athletic reports that the LA Galaxy have emerged as a serious contender to land the five-time Champions League winner.

However, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano indicated that the Brazilian is interested in signing with Inter Miami, drawn by the club’s ambitious project and the opportunity to play alongside Messi.

Casemiro could fill a significant void for Inter Miami

Despite capturing the MLS Cup title, Inter Miami have struggled to fill the void in central midfield left by Sergio Busquets following his retirement from professional soccer.

The Spaniard was a permanent fixture in the Herons’ tactical setup. While the club has attempted to replace him, the results have been mixed. The arrival of David Ayala was intended to bridge that gap, but the Argentine has yet to replicate the standout performances he delivered with the Portland Timbers.

Under former coach Javier Mascherano, the team frequently utilized Yannick Bright or Rodrigo De Paul in the defensive midfield role. However, De Paul is far more effective in advanced positions where he can link up more fluidly with Messi in the attack.

In this context, Casemiro would be a natural fit for the Busquets role. Having spent his entire career as a world-class defensive midfielder, his arrival would provide Inter Miami with a defensive anchor, allowing De Paul the freedom to move forward and maintain his potent offensive partnership with Messi.

“He was my soccer father,” Messi said during a presentation in his home country back in 2005, where he coincided with Hoyos. “He helped me a lot from the moment he arrived at Barcelona; he was with me at all times.”

He also added: “He gave me advice, taught me things, and did everything possible so that I could be where I am today, in the first division.”

Mascherano’s departure brings Hoyos and Messi together again on the same team. This time at Inter Miami, both will look to write a new chapter in their stories.

Hoyos’ spell at Barcelona

During his influential tenure at La Masia from 2003 to 2005, Guillermo Hoyos was responsible for polishing a diamond in the rough, helping Lionel Messi transition from a promising teenager into a generational force. However, his impact extended beyond the Argentine star; Hoyos also worked closely with other future icons of the game, including Gerard Pique, Cesc Fabregas, and Pedro Rodriguez.

The coaches who shaped Messi

Throughout his legendary career, Lionel Messi reached his highest peaks under managers who mastered the art of maximizing his unique skill set. Pep Guardiola famously unlocked Messi’s full potential by transitioning him to the “False 9” role, sparking an unprecedented era of dominance, while Luis Enrique oversaw the lethal “MSN” trident that led to a historic second treble.

Tito Vilanova maintained that tactical excellence during the record-breaking 100-point La Liga season, and Frank Rijkaard deserves immense credit for giving a teenage Messi his professional debut and the confidence to flourish on the world stage.

Additionally, Lionel Scaloni must be noted for finally finding the perfect balance within the national team, providing the structure that allowed Messi to lead Argentina to a triumphant World Cup title.

Messi’s club coaches throughout his career

While Yamal has already played in three UEFA Champions League seasons without winning the title, Barcelona won it in Messi’s second season with the first team.

That 2006 triumph sparks debate though, since Messi didn’t play in the final. The first Champions League trophy Barcelona lifted with the Argentine star on the field came in 2009, during Messi’s fifth season with the senior squad.

Yamal’s Champions League results with Barcelona so far

Yamal’s first UEFA Champions League season ended with a quarterfinal exit against Paris Saint-Germain. Firmly established as a starter in his second campaign with the first team, Yamal and Barcelona went a bit further in the 2024-25 season but still fell short of the decider, losing to Inter Milan in the semifinals.

With the number 10 on his back, the Spanish sensation hoped to lead Barca to the promised land once and for all, but Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid held on to their aggregate lead to upset the Cules again in 2026.

Messi’s first Champions League results before first final win

On the other hand, Messi saw Barcelona fall in the round of 16 during his first season as a pro. The team won the title the following year, with the Argentine missing the final against Arsenal due to a hamstring injury.

Following a lackluster 2006-07 campaign where Barca lost in the round of 16, Messi and company reached the semifinals but lost to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United, who ended up lifting the trophy in 2008.

Then Pep Guardiola arrived and Barcelona went on to redeem themselves against the Red Devils, with Messi scoring the game-winning header in the 2009 UCL final.

The 8x Ballon d’Or winner went on to win two more Champions League titles with Barcelona, helping the club beat Manchester United again in 2011 before a big win over Juventus in 2015. That remains the last UCL success to date for Barcelona, who hope Yamal eventually leads the Blaugrana back to the top.

Messi’s age in first UCL final win proves Yamal has time

Even though the recent loss hurts, the future is still bright for Barcelona as long as they have Yamal. At only 18, the Spanish gem looks destined for big things in the beautiful game.

Messi was 21 years old in the first Champions League final he played in and won with Barcelona. Therefore, there’s no reason to panic. Yamal is still young, and it could be just a matter of time before he and Barca get over the hump.

Hoyos was once a professional football player, and as a coach he was in charge of the Bolivia national team. He also managed in both Cyprus and Greece in the European continent.

More changes are taking place at the Herons in addition to the coach’s departure. As announced through the official Inter Miami website, Chief Soccer Officer Alberto Marrero assumes, as of today, the duties of sporting director.

Guillermo Hoyos’ experience

Born on June 9, 1963, in Argentina, the 62-year-old tactician boasts a diverse coaching career that spans over two decades and multiple continents. After a playing career with clubs like Boca Juniors, Hoyos gained international recognition for his work at FC Barcelona’s La Masia, where he famously mentored a young Lionel Messi.

His managerial journey has since taken him through numerous leagues, leading teams such as Bolivar—where he won two league titles—and Universidad de Chile. Having most recently served as the Director of Youth Development for Inter Miami, Hoyos now steps into the head coaching role, combining his extensive global experience with an understanding of the club’s internal structure.

Don’t lose focus on the MLS

Javier Mascherano’s decision to leave his position at Inter Miami surprised both insiders and outsiders, with Bolavip asking New York Red Bulls head coach Michael Bradley about his reaction to Mascherano’s decision days after their 2-2 draw in Miami. In fact, the Herons’ performance in the MLS at the moment keeps them among the contenders in their conference.

After seven rounds of the tournament, Lionel Messi’s team has collected a total of 12 points, the result of 3 wins, 3 draws, and just one defeat. The Herons are in third place in the Eastern Conference, behind Nashville SC and Chicago Fire.

What’s next for Inter Miami?

With these abrupt changes behind them, these are the upcoming matches that Messi and Inter Miami have ahead in order to keep moving forward in the championship:

• April 18th, at Colorado Rapids
• April 22nd, at Real Salt Lake
• April 25th, vs New England Revolution
• May 2nd, vs Orlando City
• May 7th, at Toronto

“I want to let everyone know that, for personal reasons, I have decided to end my tenure as head coach of Inter Miami CF,” Mascherano said in an official Inter Miami statement. “First and foremost, I would like to thank the Club… but especially the players, who made it possible for us to experience unforgettable moments.”

Mascherano leaves after guiding Messi and Inter Miami through a record-breaking 2025 season, with the club moving quickly to name Guillermo Hoyos as his replacement.

During his tenure, the team secured two major trophies, including its first-ever MLS Cup, while also winning the Eastern Conference. Offensively, Inter Miami set a new league record with 101 total goals across all competitions, underscoring the impact of his leadership.

Saturday’s 2-2 draw against the New York Red Bulls proved to be his last game in charge of the Herons. Bolavip got to ask NYRB head coach Michael Bradley about Mascherano’s exit, with the former USMNT star wishing his colleague all the best.

Mascherano exits after historic success with Inter Miami

Under Mascherano, Inter Miami not only dominated domestically but also made history on the international stage. The club became the first MLS team to reach the knockout rounds of the FIFA Club World Cup and the first from Concacaf to defeat a European opponent in an official competition.

Regionally, the team reached the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup and advanced to another Leagues Cup final, reinforcing its growing presence beyond MLS. His tenure quickly established Inter Miami as a competitive force both in the United States and internationally.

“I will always carry with me the memory of our first star… I have no doubt that the Club will continue to achieve success in the future,” Mascherano added.

Mascherano’s exit marks the end of a defining era, but also the beginning of a new phase for Inter Miami, one that will look to build on the foundation established during his tenure.

According to ESPN Argentina’s Martin Arevalo, ‘Cuti’ Romero is facing a five-to-eight-week recovery period. With the World Cup kickoff just 58 days away, the defender appears likely to return in time to help Argentina defend their title on the world stage.

His availability will, of course, hinge on the success of his rehabilitation. While early indications suggest the injury is straightforward to treat, his return to match fitness will depend entirely on how the knee responds to increased workloads over the coming month.

The primary hurdle remains his lack of competitive rhythm; Tottenham’s season concludes on May 24, while Romero will still be in the thick of his recovery. This absence of match minutes could complicate his integration into the squad for the early stages of the tournament.

Argentina’s injury concerns mount

Romero’s setback adds to a growing list of concerns for Argentina, joining Lautaro Martinez on the training table and raising alarms in Buenos Aires. Despite these high-profile scares, the core of the expected roster remains healthy and active as the summer approaches.

Both players are still projected to feature in the North American-hosted tournament this June. Their presence is vital for manager Lionel Scaloni as Argentina look to navigate a Group Stage featuring Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.

Final preparations before the title defense

Following a string of friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia, Argentina have finalized their remaining warm-up schedule. These final tests will serve as the prelude to their Group Stage debut against Algeria on June 16.

With the countdown officially on, Argentina are gearing up for their return to North American soil. The Albiceleste are aiming for a significantly deeper run than their 1994 appearance in the U.S., where they were famously bounced in the Round of 16.