Is Lionel Messi Playing Tonight for Inter Miami vs NY Red Bulls?

Up next for league leaders Inter Miami is one of their hardest opponents to date, 3rd-seeded NY Red Bulls. Having played a game less, a win for the Red Bulls could see Herons’ lead at the top shrink to 1! Hence, a victory is of utmost importance for Tata Martino and Co. But, captain Lionel Messi seemed uncomfortable in training and was seen massaging his hamstring. Notably, the Argentine has had his share of muscle injuries already this season. Hence, will the playmaker take to the field tomorrow? Let’s find out.

As it stands, Lionel Messi is available to face the NY Red Bulls. Coach Tata Martino has not confirmed any injury to the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner. Also, he has revealed his plans for the Argentine playmaker for the encounter. Martino said, “Messi is free to move and play in any position on the pitch. He is the best footballer in the world and a great goalscorer. We can’t limit his movement. Now we are not playing much and he has time to recover from the physical demands.” Hence, it looks like Messi just had a case of discomfort and nothing more.

With nearly a week since Inter Miami’s last game against the New England Revolution, the players had sufficient recovery time. Hence, it looks like Martino will deploy his talisman tomorrow. However, the New England game caused a lot of anxiety among the supporters. That match was played on an artificial turf and Lionel Messi risked himself for the team. However, it all worked out in the end. With Messi fit and raring to go, can the Herons get the better of their opponents? Martino might have an eye on the previous encounter between the sides.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will be plotting revenge against NY Red Bulls

The two sides faced off previously on March 23rd at the Red Bull Arena. However, it didn’t go well for Martino and Co. The New York-based side thrashed the Herons 4-0. Lewis Morgan scored a stunning hat trick while Wikelman Carmona also got up on the scoring sheet. It was a masterclass in counter-attacking as the Red Bulls had just 30% of the possession. However, a notable absence on that day was Lionel Messi.

Following his knock against Nashville, Martino couldn’t call up his captain for the encounter. Amusingly, there were reports that the Herons even wanted to postpone the match as well! Yet, the result proved that Lionel Messi is arguably Miami’s most important player. It is worth noting that Miami has suffered just a solitary defeat with the Argentine in the lineup this campaign. Can Messi produce another bit of magic tomorrow? Let us know your predictions for the match below.