Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are preparing for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in June, but first, they’re focused on climbing the MLS standings. After a disappointing loss to Orlando City, fans are hoping Messi and his teammates can respond with a strong performance against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night.
Inter Miami currently sits on 22 points, trailing Philadelphia by seven. A win this weekend would not only close the gap but could also lift the club into fourth place in the standings. Facing one of the league’s top teams, Inter Miami will lean on Messi’s leadership and experience to get back on track.
There’s growing anticipation around Messi’s availability, especially with key players like Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets expected to start. Supporters have flooded social media with one pressing question: Will the Argentine star take the field tonight?
Is Lionel Messi playing tonight?
With pressure mounting on Javier Mascherano following the team’s early exit from the Concacaf Champions Cup and a recent scoring drought, the Herons will look to spark a turnaround in form. With that goal in mind, the head coach will field his strongest possible lineup, featuring the team’s top stars: Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF waves to fans before the match against the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park on May 14, 2025 in San Jose, California.
see also
Lionel Messi’s future at Inter Miami, discussed by head coach Javier Mascherano
Inter Miami’s XI with Messi
Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup to face the Philadelphia Union is: Oscar Ustari; Ian Fray, Tomas Aviles, Gonzalo Lujan, Noah Allen; Tadeo Allende, Sergio Busquets, Yannick Bright, Jordi Alba; Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
On the bench will be Rocco Rios Novo, Marcelo Weigandt, Maximiliano Falcon, David Martinez, Federico Redondo, Allen Obando, Benjamin Cremaschi, Telasco Segovia, and Fafa Picault.
