Is Messi playing in San Jose tonight? Inter Miami visit Earthquakes aiming to bounce back in 2025 MLS season

Inter Miami and Lionel Messi have a great opportunity to climb the Eastern Conference standings tonight as they visit the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2025 MLS season. With fans eager to see the Argentine star in action, the big question has been whether Messi will play in California.

Following their recent elimination from the Concacaf Champions Cup and a tough loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps last weekend, Inter Miami are aiming to bounce back in league play. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba will feature, as the team looks to secure a much-needed win.

Meanwhile, San Jose have struggled in the Western Conference. A win could help the Earthquakes stay in the top seven spots that qualify for the next round of the MLS. They’ll rely on Cristian Arango and Josef Martinez, Messi’s former teammate at Inter Miami, to lead the charge.

Is Lionel Messi playing in San Jose tonight?

Yes, Messi will play against the Earthquakes. He traveled with the squad, trained on Tuesday and coach Javier Mascherano included him in the starting lineup. With several key players in the lineup, Inter Miami will aim to return to winning form and reward their supporters after recent setbacks.

Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami.

One of the team’s major concerns has been defense, while the attack continues to shine. Messi has scored five goals and provided two assists in eight MLS matches this season. Suarez has contributed two goals and six assists across nine appearances.

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Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup

Head coach Javier Mascherano is counting on his veterans to step up tonight in California. With Messi, Alba, and Busquets in the lineup, Inter Miami will be at near full strength for this key fixture.

Inter Miami’s starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Ustari
Defenders: Weigandt, Falcon, Allen, Alba
Midfielders: Bright, Busquets, Cremaschi
Forwards: Allende, Messi, Segovia