Will Lionel Messi Play Today? Inter Miami vs Atlanta United Team News, Injury Update and Lineup

Lionel Messi is expected to be available when Inter Miami host Atlanta United on Saturday, Sept. 5, giving the Herons a major attacking boost after the Argentine superstar’s four-goal performance last weekend.

The match is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at Nu Stadium in Miami, with Inter Miami looking to build on their 7-1 demolition of CF Montréal and strengthen their position near the top of the Eastern Conference.

Major League Soccer lists Miami second with 42 points from 22 games.

Messi Expected To Start After Four-Goal Masterclass

There is currently no indication that Messi will miss Saturday’s match.

Multiple pre-match reports expect the 39-year-old to lead Miami’s attack after producing four goals and an assist in the 7-1 victory over Montréal on August 29.

That performance moved Messi to 18 MLS goals, putting him atop the league’s scoring race entering Matchday 24.

MLS also notes that he has recorded a league-best 28 goal contributions this season, with 18 goals and 10 assists.

The match also comes days after Messi announced the end of his Argentina international career, making Saturday his first Inter Miami appearance since that decision.

Interim coach Guillermo Hoyos spoke emotionally about Messi’s international retirement ahead of the game.

“Nos marcó el camino de la historia del fútbol,” Hoyos said, describing the mark Messi has left on the sport.

Hoyos also said the club was “very melancholic” about seeing Messi leave the Argentina national team but emphasized what the forward has given to the country.

Inter Miami Face Defensive Injury Problems

While Messi is expected to play, Miami’s biggest concern is at the back.

Sergio Reguilón, Gonzalo Luján and Micael are reported to be unavailable for the Atlanta match, leaving Miami without three regular defensive options.

World Soccer Talk reported the trio as confirmed absences, with all three dealing with lower-body problems.

Inter Miami confirmed that the Spanish defender suffered a Grade II right knee sprain, with no specific return date given.

Micael is also recovering from a sprained right ankle suffered against Club León.

The club said he would initially rest from sporting activities before gradually returning to training based on his recovery.

That could force Miami to reshuffle its back line.

Cesar Abadia has emerged as an option at left-back, according to World Soccer Talk, although the final starting XI will not be confirmed until shortly before kickoff.

Projected Inter Miami Lineup vs Atlanta United

Based on the latest pre-match reporting, a projected Miami XI is Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Fricio Caicedo, Maximiliano Falcón, Noah Allen; Rodrigo De Paul, Casemiro, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Germán Berterame, Luis Suárez.

This remains a predicted lineup, not an official starting XI. The club’s official lineup announcement is the final confirmation.

Importance of the Match?

Inter Miami have momentum after ending a difficult run with their seven-goal outburst against Montréal.

Messi’s four-goal display also restored attention to Miami’s title ambitions after a stretch of inconsistent results.

Atlanta are fighting to climb back into the playoff picture.

The Five Stripes had won three straight before losing 2-0 to Charlotte FC last weekend and remain 13th in the Eastern Conference.

MLS says Atlanta are four points outside the playoff places.

Inter Miami vs Atlanta United: How To Watch

The MLS match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 5, at Nu Stadium.

MLS lists Apple TV as the streaming destination for the game.

For readers in India, that kickoff falls at approximately 5:00 a.m. IST on Sunday, September 6.