Inter Miami will face off against the San Jose Earthquakes in an MLS clash on Saturday (May 14) at the Earthquakes’ home in San Jose, USA. However, whether Lionel Messi will participate in today’s game remains uncertain for many fans.
Despite starting the season strongly, the Herons have recently hit a rough patch. They were defeated in their last match against Minnesota United, marking their fourth loss in five games across all competitions. These setbacks led to their elimination from the CONCACAF Champions Cup at the semi-final stage. Currently, the Herons are fourth in the Eastern Conference table, with 21 points from 11 matches.
Inter Miami vs San Jose: Will Lionel Messi Feature Today in MLS?
Messi, a crucial part of Miami’s attacking lineup throughout the campaign, has faced persistent fitness issues in recent months, particularly after a minor adductor injury kept him from joining Argentina in March. Although he has missed a few matches, the Argentine remains Inter Miami’s leading scorer this season, with 10 goals in all competitions.
Messi played the full match last time, but he had been seen exiting early in recent games, including the 4-1 win on May 3 over the New York Red Bulls. These moments continue to raise concerns about his fitness and injury status.
Nonetheless, ahead of the previous fixture against Minnesota United, Miami head coach Javier Mascherano addressed the matter. He said, “Well, Leo is a competitive person, that’s normal. Those of us who have known him for a long time know how demanding he is – not only with himself, but with everything around him.” Mascherano further mentioned, “But yes, he’s fine.”
Messi is likely to Play Today
Since Messi played the entire last game and there are no immediate major tournaments before the Club World Cup, he is likely to feature against the Earthquakes. He travelled with the team and participated in training on Tuesday, indicating his readiness for the match. With several important players available, Inter Miami will look to bounce back and satisfy its fans following recent losses.
In this fixture, Messi’s presence will be essential for the Herons, especially since key forward Luis Suarez is out due to a personal visit to Spain and Fafa Picault is marked as questionable. With Suarez absent, as in the last match, Messi is expected to spearhead the attack. Being the team’s top goal scorer, Messi’s contribution will be crucial in turning around their form.