Inter Miami vs Los Angeles FC: Will Lionel Messi Play in Today’s CONCACAF Champions Cup Match?

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Inter Miami CF prepares to welcome Los Angeles FC for the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday (April 9) at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, and much of the buzz centres on whether Lionel Messi will take part in the clash.

In the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals, Inter Miami were outplayed by LAFC falling 1-0, thanks to the solitary goal from Nathan Ordaz. The Herons registered just three shots on target at BMO Stadium and failed to score for the first time under Javier Mascherano’s leadership.

After the loss to LAFC, the Herons returned to MLS and managed only a 1–1 draw against Toronto FC. There is now intense pressure on Inter Miami to come back from two disappointing results and keep their CONCACAF Champions Cup aspirations alive.

Will Lionel Messi Play Today Against LAFC?

Messi has been a vital force in Miami’s offence during the tournament, though his fitness has been a recurring issue for Inter Miami over the past two months. A recent minor adductor injury sidelined him from Argentina duty in March. Despite missing time, the Argentine forward still leads the Herons with 6 goals in all competitions this season.

Nonetheless, the 37-year-old has played in each of Miami's last three games and is expected to be involved in Wednesday’s encounter. Messi completed 90 minutes in the first leg last Wednesday, followed by another full match against Toronto FC over the weekend. That’s three games in seven days—a heavy load for the Argentine, especially coming off a recent injury.

Head coach Javier Mascherano has underscored Messi’s importance ahead of this match, pointing out his influence and poise in key moments. He noted, "The best scenario for Leo (Messi) is for him to be the protagonist. And he's been a protagonist in both games…he's been decisive in the team's attacking actions, and we'll continue to strive for that because we know that when he participates more continuously in the game, we're stronger, we're better.”

Messi was back in full training with the squad on Tuesday as they prepared for the crucial contest against LAFC. The only uncertainty left is whether the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient will start or come on as a substitute. Still, fans can confidently expect Messi to play in the second leg of Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal matchup with LAFC.

However, Inter Miami will miss midfielder Sergio Busquets, who is suspended after an accumulation of yellow cards. His absence may push Messi into a deeper creative role on the pitch.