Lionel Messi's fitness has been a concern for Inter Miami and Argentina in recent times. Since the turn of the season, the Argentina star has not been in regular attendance on team sheet for the Miami club.
After playing a few pre-season matches, Messi was left out of matches in the MLS. The Argentina international also withdrew himself from the Argentina squad for the recently concluded World Cup Qualifiers, one of which Los Albicelestes won 4-1 against arch rivals Brazil.

Inter Miami has started the 2025 MLS season impressively, accumulating 10 points, and sitting third in the Eastern Conference standings. Their unbeaten run includes notable victories, and the team has shown resilience in both attack and defense. The potential return of Messi is expected to bolster their offensive capabilities further.
Lionel Messi, who has been sidelined due to a low-grade adductor injury, has missed out recent matches. The injury, which surfaced earlier this month, led to Messi missing Argentina's recent World Cup qualifying matches against Uruguay and Brazil. Inter Miami's head coach, Javier Mascherano, a former teammate of Messi, expressed optimism about the star's availability, stating, "Messi is doing well and, God willing, if nothing unusual happens, he should be available."
Messi is poised to return for Inter Miami in the MLS batch against the Philadelphia Union. As per the latest reports, the former Barcelona player is fit and has resumed full training with the team. It will be an important match for Inter and the Argentina International is expected to be there. Head coach Javier Mascherano will decide whether Messi will start, but at least he will be staying on the bench and may play a part as a substitute later in the match.