Chicago Fire vs Inter Miami: Will Lionel Messi Play in Today’s MLS Match?

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Chicago Fire is poised to host Inter Miami in an MLS encounter on Sunday (April 13) at Soldier Field in Chicago, USA. However, there's significant uncertainty surrounding Lionel Messi's participation in the game.

Today's fixture marks the ninth overall clash between these clubs in their history. To date, Inter Miami has achieved three victories, suffered four defeats, and secured one draw against Chicago.

Following a 3-1 triumph over LAFC, the Herons returned to MLS play, where they managed a 1–1 stalemate with Toronto FC in their most recent match. Inter Miami currently occupies fourth place in the Eastern Conference with 14 points.

Chicago Fire vs Inter Miami: Will Lionel Messi Feature Today?

Messi, who has been pivotal to Miami’s attacking lineup in the tournament thus far, has had his fitness scrutinized over the past two months, especially after a recent minor adductor muscle injury that prevented him from representing Argentina in March. Despite his absence, the Argentine icon remains the top scorer for the Herons this season, netting 8 goals across all competitions.

In the past two years, Messi missed this particular matchup, but this occasion might differ. Not only has Messi been in outstanding form recently, but the Herons are also boosted by their remarkable comeback in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final against LAFC. Messi scored twice to lead a 3-2 aggregate win, securing a semifinal berth against Vancouver.

Chicago Fire Head Coach Gregg Berhalter shares this sentiment, stating, "I expect Messi to be fully playing," Berhalter said. "He's a guy that wants to compete. He has done well at Soldier Field. Soldier Field's a great stadium, an iconic stadium ...guys like that, you know, they play in games. That's what they do."

Nonetheless, the 37-year-old has participated in Miami's recent matches and is anticipated to appear in today's game. Messi played the full 90 minutes against LAFC. Four matches within a few days represent a substantial workload for the Argentine, especially as he continues to recover from injury.

Miami coach Javier Mascherano has been cautious about disclosing his lineup plans. Still, the Inter Miami manager hinted that Messi and other prominent players—Messi, Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets—are likely to play if they're fully fit. The Argentine manager remarked, “If they are feeling fine, they will play…By feeling fine, I mean 100 per cent physically and mentally. If any of them are not, they will rest, but our idea is to put the best out there.”

Therefore, fans can anticipate Messi's participation against Chicago Fire in Sunday's MLS showdown.