Lionel Messi’s arrival in MLS has been an absolute game-changer, instantly elevating Inter Miami from a struggling side to a serious playoff contender. Yet, they have missed out on La Pulga due to injuries. Recently, Messi came back from his previous ankle injury, but Inter Miami’s assistant coach said there are still concerns as he is struggling with fitness again. It opened the minds of the anxious fans, again bringing questions to his readiness for some of the key games ahead. 

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has had a heavy workload since joining the club in July, and there’s been speculation that the demanding schedule may be taking its impact. His involvement in both MLS matches and international duty with Argentina has stretched his physical limits, prompting worries about overexertion. 

Inter Miami’s assistant coach Javier Morales spoke about Messi’s condition, revealing that the Argentine legend had fatigued early on in the draw with Charlotte FC. Javier’s cautious words added fuel to the fire of speculation about whether Messi would feature in this critical match.

After returning from his ligament injury he already scored 3 goals in 4 matches and he is in great form. Also, Suarez is in good form and scoring goals in crucial moments when needed. But with Lionel Messi’s competitive spirit, he probably wants to play.  But playing an injured Messi could hurt both him and the club. Inter Miami has improved a lot since Messi joined. This is because of his great skills on the field. But rushing him back could have bad long-term effects for Miami.

The bigger picture for Inter Miami

For Inter Miami, the stakes are incredibly high. A win against Columbus will help them secure a good position in the playoffs, but risking Lionel Messi’s long-term health for short-term gain would be unwise. Javier’s struggling admission about Messi’s fitness is a sobering reminder that even the greatest players need time to recover. It’s better to let Messi rest and recover so that he can give his 100% in future playoff matches.

After Messi joined Miami their revenue had nearly doubled, demonstrating the clear economic returns.  And fan base also increased significantly. In tomorrow against Columbus Crew fans may be desperate to see him on the pitch, but the club’s long-term success depends on handling this situation with care. Messi has already done so much in a short time to lift Miami, and the team will need to rely on that momentum to carry them through.

The match against Columbus Crew will start in a few hours. Everyone is wondering if Inter Miami will let Messi play or focus on keeping him healthy. Miami’s season depends on more than just one player. But Messi’s presence or absence can be the key factor for them