After completing their 2025 Major League Soccer regular season, Inter Miami will kick off their Eastern Conference playoffs with a clash against Nashville SC. All eyes are on the fitness status of their skipper Lionel Messi.
Will Lionel Messi play against Nashville SC in MLS Cup playoffs
The Argentine icon was not present in Tuesday's practice session, raising doubts among fans given a short turnaround before the next game. Reporter Jose Armando later posted on his X (FKA Twitter) account that Messi's absence was because of minor discomfort in the back that needed special treatment.
Just a day later, the Herons received a huge news, as Messi returned on the training pitch Wednesday, alongside the rest of the squad, clearing doubts about his availability stats for the game against Nashville SC.
Inter Miami even shared this with a post on social media, featuring two pictures of Messi training wearing the club's gear, with a positive caption that read:
"Back and ready. Full steam ahead."
Messi gets another MLS accolade
Amid the doubts around his fitness status, Lionel Messi received another honor from MLS this week. The 38-year-old forward was announced October Player of the Month after his stunning performances in the last stages of the regular season, registering 5 goals and 5 assists in just 3 games.
It's the third time Messi has won the award in the 2025 season, having also claimed it in July and May. Moreover, the Argentine legend finished as the league's top scorer (29 goals) and tied for giving most assists (19).