Will Lionel Messi play for Inter Miami today in Leagues Cup Match?

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Inter Miami will begin their 2025 Leagues Cup campaign on Wednesday, July 30, against Liga MX outfit Atlas at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

The high-stakes encounter is expected to draw massive attention as Lionel Messi returns to action following a brief suspension.

Lionel Messi is eligible to feature in tonight's match after serving a one-match suspension in Inter Miami's previous MLS fixture against FC Cincinnati. The Argentine legend, along with teammate Jordi Alba, missed the July 26 league clash due to disciplinary action imposed by Major League Soccer.

The suspension stemmed from both players' absence from the 2025 MLS All-Star Game held in Austin, Texas. Under league policy, selected All-Star players who fail to participate without valid medical exemption or prior approval are automatically suspended for their next league game. Inter Miami were forced to go without Messi and Alba in the goalless draw last Friday.

Will Lionel Messi play for Inter Miami?

Inter Miami's ownership and coaching staff publicly criticized the suspension, describing it as excessive. Club co-owner Jorge Mas labelled the ruling "draconian," emphasizing that Messi's influence on the league's growth and visibility warranted greater consideration.

Interim manager Javier Mascherano echoed similar sentiments, citing Messi's demanding workload in recent months, including the FIFA Club World Cup and Copa America - as sufficient grounds for needing rest. He questioned the logic of suspending the league's biggest draw when the All-Star Game had no competitive significance. The Argentine is likely to feature for Miami, and may well be handed a start in the Leagues Cup encounter.

Despite the controversy, Messi enters the Leagues Cup in scintillating form. The 37-year-old has scored 18 goals and provided 7 assists in MLS this season, with four braces in his last five appearances. His presence will be vital as Inter Miami look to assert dominance in their opening fixture against Atlas.

With the suspension behind him, Messi is set to start and lead Miami's charge in the continental competition, bringing star power back to centre stage just when the tournament needs it most.