In just a matter of time before Inter Miami will be hosting Charlotte FC for the MLS clash. This is the fourth-last domestic clash that both sides are playing in the league setup before the playoffs begin. While either side would be looking to make the most of the upcoming fixture, an important question looms on Miami’s behalf about whether Lionel Messi would be playing today.

The Argentinian superstar who had been absent over the last two months finally made a much-anticipated return on September 15 while facing Philadelphia. He even announced his return on the pitch by adding a brace and an assist to his name on that day. Since then, he featured in the next two matches against Atlanta United and New York City.

Similar is the expectation for the upcoming clash as Lionel Messi will play tonight against Charlotte FC. The 37-year-old doesn’t have any kind of injuries in his tab and will be fit to face the visitors from North Carolina. He would also be keen to guide his side to a victory, which they have failed to do so in the last two matches.

While a 2-2 draw was played against Atlanta United, the New York City clash also ended in a 1-1 affair. Miami missed out on collecting three points from either of these matches. Hence, victory is a must in today’s clash so that they can bring a significant gap in their tally. Currently, as the leaders of the Eastern Conference, they sit at the top with 64 points, 8 points clear of the second-placed side Cincinnati.

The Herons have won 19 games, drew 7, and lost 4 in over 30 games. After the end of September, they will be playing the remaining three matches of the campaign. They are then expected to be crowned as the winners of the Eastern Conference. However, that should only come if they manage to balance themselves in these remaining matches.

Perhaps the presence of Messi will surely give Miami the boost for this last run. However, Martino won’t have a selected of players again as injuries continue to take a toll on the team.

While Lionel Messi remains available, the injury list continues to grow for Inter Miami!

Inter Miami is currently grappling with a lot of absentees. To begin with, the defensive pair of Facundo Farías and Nicolás Freire remain out of action due to knee injuries. Likewise, Leo Afonso and David Martinez are also sidelined with groin issues, while CJ dos Santos is recovering from an unknown hand injury.

Midfielder Matías Rojas is unavailable due to an ankle injury, and Diego Gomez’s participation is uncertain as he continues to struggle with a hamstring problem. On a positive note, Noah Allen was cleared after going through concussion protocol and even made an appearance in the last match.

Either war, these are surely some remarkable absences for Miami. Of course, with the playoffs in less than a month, they shall figure out a way to keep their players safe from injuries. More to that, Lionel Messi and Co. should also balance themselves in these final games.