Inter Miami is set to face Atlanta United at Chase Stadium in their penultimate game of the MLS regular season. The main focus for Inter Miami is the status of Lionel Messi, as Javier Mascherano’s team aims to secure second place in the Eastern Conference.
Messi has been called up for Argentina’s upcoming friendly matches in the United States on October 10 and 14, but it is expected that Messi will play against Atlanta United.
The captain of Inter Miami has trained all week with the national team in Miami. However, he was rested for the friendly against Venezuela at Hard Rock Stadium, leading to questions about his fitness for the match against Atlanta.
Earlier, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano spoke about the uncertainty regarding Messi’s availability during a press conference.
Lionel Messi attends the International Friendly between Argentina and Venezuela at Hard Rock Stadium. (Getty)
“If he doesn’t play against Venezuela and there’s a chance he can play on Saturday, I’d love that. Imagine having Lionel Messi available. But the reality is that he hasn’t trained with us all week,” Mascherano said.
Lionel Messi’s impressive 2025 season
Messi is enjoying his best season since joining Inter Miami. He currently shares the lead in the MLS Golden Boot race with Denis Bouanga, both having 24 goals. He also ranks second in assists with 17, just one behind Anders Dreyer’s total of 18.
The Argentine forward is a strong candidate for the league’s MVP award. If he wins, he would be the only player in MLS history to achieve this honor in consecutive seasons.
Although Inter Miami did not win a second consecutive Supporters’ Shield, which was claimed by the Philadelphia Union, the team has performed well this season. They are still in the running with FC Cincinnati for the second spot in the Eastern Conference.