The second has arrived for Inter Miami, the membership led by Lionel Messi, to start its 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs marketing campaign — and but, a well-recognized query lingers over Fort Lauderdale: will he play? After a season outlined by data, trophies, and breathtaking objectives, the Argentine’s health has as soon as once more taken middle stage on the eve of an important postseason conflict.
On Friday night time, Miami will host Nashville SC in Sport 1 of their Japanese Convention Spherical One best-of-three sequence at Chase Stadium. For Javier Mascherano’s facet, this match will not be solely about redemption after final yr’s early exit however about proving that this period of worldwide stars — Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets — nonetheless has yet another historic run left in it.
The Herons entered the playoffs using a wave of optimism. Simply days earlier than the opening match, the membership introduced that Messi had signed a three-year contract extension, tying him to South Florida by means of 2028. The deal ensures that he’ll stay the face of the franchise when Miami Freedom Park opens subsequent season.
However there’s no time for sentiment in October soccer. Miami, led by coach Javier Mascherano, now turns its focus to the MLS Cup — the one main trophy lacking from the membership’s quick however glittering Messi-era resume.
The Herons completed third within the Japanese Convention with 65 factors, 9 fewer than their record-breaking tally final yr. They’re now chasing redemption after a stunning Spherical One exit to Atlanta United within the 2024 Playoffs — a defeat many thought of the most important upset in MLS historical past.
Nashville SC: Quiet confidence and excessive stakes
For Nashville SC, that is the possibility to show it belongs among the many elite. Beneath coach B.J. Callaghan, the membership loved considered one of its finest seasons up to now, ending sixth within the East with 54 factors and lifting the 2025 U.S. Open Cup — the primary main trophy in franchise historical past.
Their energy lies within the deadly pairing of Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar, who mixed for 40 objectives this season. Nonetheless, the Coyotes’ historical past towards Inter Miami is daunting. Since Messi’s arrival, they’ve by no means overwhelmed the Herons — zero wins, six losses, and two attracts throughout all competitions. Their defensive chief, Walker Zimmerman, and goalkeeper Joe Willis might want to ship the efficiency of their careers to maintain Messi and Luis Suarez quiet.
Will Lionel Messi function?
Within the buildup to Friday’s conflict, followers grew uneasy when Messi missed Tuesday’s coaching session. Rumors rapidly unfold a couple of potential setback, particularly after such an intense run of matches to shut the common season. Reporter Jose Armando later revealed that the Argentine captain was affected by gentle again ache, not a brand new harm. The membership confirmed that he was merely being rested as a precaution.
By Wednesday, Messi was again at Miami’s coaching facility, smiling, capturing, and, most significantly, pain-free. What’s extra, Inter Miami posted pictures of him on social media with the caption: “Again and prepared.”
Mascherano quickly addressed the media to make clear the scenario. “On Monday, after we returned to coaching, he was coping with some again discomfort,” he stated. “On Tuesday, we most well-liked that he relaxation to keep away from making it worse, however yesterday he skilled usually and accomplished all the session with the group.” The coach ended the suspense with a easy assertion: “He’s absolutely match and able to play the total 90 minutes — and much more if obligatory.” That needs to be all of the reassurance Miami followers want.
Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC: Projected lineups
Inter Miami projected XI (4-4-2): Rios Novo; Fray, Allen, Falcon, Alba; De Paul, Vivid, Busquets, Segovia; Messi; Suarez.
Nashville SC projected XI (4-4-2): Willis; Najar, Zimmerman, Maher, Lovitz; Shaffelburg, Brugman, Tagseth, Muyl; Mukhtar, Surridge.
