Inter Miami returns to MLS playoffs action today. The Herons will be facing similar rivals Atlanta United for one last gig and a third time at the Chase Stadium to test their fate. With just hours until the kickoff, the question looms whether star player Lionel Messi will be playing tonight.

In the latest fixture on November 2, Saturday, Lionel Messi played the full 90 minutes for his side as Tata Martino’s team suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat to Rob Valentino’s squad. Despite taking a perfect lead with a goal from David Martinez just before halftime, the second half saw Atlanta stage a stunning comeback, with Derrick Williams and Xande Silva scoring a stoppage-time winner.

Ironically, the first encounter between the two sides ended in a similar 2-1 victory for Inter Miami. The Supporters’ Shield champions took an early lead with a clinical finish from Luis Suarez just two minutes into the match. Although Atlanta leveled the score before halftime, Jordi Alba secured the win for Tata Martino’s team with a goal shortly after the hour mark. Like the recent match, Messi had again played the full 90 minutes in that game as well.

This only forces Martino and Co. to take revenge for their previous defeat and make an emphatic bounce back. And what better way there is to do it in the presence of their best player? Ardent soccer fans are in for a treat as Lionel Messi will be playing tonight for the MLS playoffs clash against Atlanta United.

On top of that, considering it has been over a week since La Pulga last played, there seems to be no reason why he shouldn’t be available to play today. Not to forget the Argentinian superstar has a mission to fulfill. He miserably failed to make the scoresheet in the previous game and should look to make things equal in this one.

Discontent was fairly visible on the 37-year-old’s face after the team walked out of the Mercedez-Benz Stadium with the defeat. It remains to be seen whether Messi and Co. do the necessary in the upcoming fixture, considering they are again with some major absentees.

Lionel Messi and Co. to be without key players vs Atlanta United

The team is facing a series of injury setbacks as they approach the upcoming match. Leo Afonso is unavailable due to a groin injury, while Ian Fray and Nicolás Freire are both sidelined with knee problems. Additionally, Sergii Kryvtsov and Oscar Ustari are both out of action because of hamstring injuries.

To make matters worse, star midfielder Sergio Busquets is uncertain for the match due to illness, and David Ruiz is also a doubt, struggling with his own hamstring issue. These absences are likely to challenge the team’s depth and preparation for the upcoming fixture.