The moment has come for Inter Miami, the club led by Lionel Messito start 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs campaign – and yet a familiar question lingers in Fort Lauderdale: will he play? After a season marked by records, trophies and breathtaking goals, the Argentine’s fitness is once again in focus ahead of a crucial post-season clash.
Miami hosts Friday night Nashville SC in Game 1 of theirs Eastern Conference Round One best-of-three series at Chase Stadium. For Javier Mascherano’s side, this match is not just about redemption after last year’s early elimination, but also about proving that this era of global stars – Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets – still has one historic run left.
The Herons entered the playoffs on a wave of optimism. The club announced this a few days before the opening match Messi had signed a three-year contract extensiontying him to South Florida through 2028. The deal ensures he will remain the face of the franchise whenever Miami Freedom Park will open next season.
But there is no time for sentiment in October football. Miami, led by coach Javier Mascheranois now turning his focus to the MLS Cup – the one major trophy missing from the Messi-era club’s short but glittering CV.
The herons are ready third in the Eastern Conference of 65 pointsnine fewer than their record number last year. They are now chasing redemption after one shocking round one exit to Atlanta United in the 2024 Playoffs – a defeat that many considered the biggest setback in MLS history.
Nashville SC: Quiet confidence and high stakes
For Nashville SCthis is the chance to prove that it belongs to the elite. Under coach BJ Callaghanthe club enjoyed one of its best seasons to date and ended sixth in the East of 54 points and lifting the US Open Cup 2025 – the first major trophy in franchise history.
Their power lies in the deadly combination of Sam Surridge And Hany Mukhtarwho together scored 40 goals this season. Still, the Coyotes’ history against Inter Miami is disheartening. This has been the case since the arrival of Messi never defeated the Herons – zero wins, six losses and two draws in all competitions. Their defensive leader, Walker Zimmerman and goalkeeper Joe Willis will have to deliver the performances of their careers to keep Messi Luis Suarez Calm.
Will Lionel Messi perform?
Ahead of Friday’s match, fans became uneasy when Messi missed training on Tuesday. Rumors quickly spread about a possible setback, especially after such an intense series of games to close out the regular season. Reporter Jose Armando It later became clear what was bothering the Argentinian captain mild back painno new injury. The club confirmed that he was simply rested as a precaution.
On Wednesday, Messi was back at Miami’s training complex, smiling, shooting and, most importantly, pain-free. Additionally, Inter Miami posted photos of him on social media with the caption: “Back and done.”
Mascherano quickly turned to the media to clarify the situation. “On Monday, when we started training again, his back was bothering him,” he said. “On Tuesday we would have preferred him to rest to avoid worse, but yesterday he trained normally and completed the entire session with the group.” The coach ended the tension with a simple statement: “He is fully fit and ready to play the full 90 minutes – and even more if necessary.” That should be all the reassurance Miami fans need.
Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC: Expected Lineups
Inter Miami Expected XI (4-4-2): Rios Novo; Fray, Allen, Valk, Alba; De Paul, Bright, Busquets, Segovia; Messi; Suarez.
Nashville SC projected XI (4-4-2): Willis; Najar, Zimmerman, Maher, Lovitz; Shaffelburg, Brugman, Tagseth, Muyl; Mukhtar, Surridge.
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