Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images

Is Lionel Messi Playing Tonight for Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire FC?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 10:43 AM ET

Inter Miami will be taking on the Chicago Fire at home in the Chase Stadium for another match in the MLS. It will be Inter Miami's fifth MLS match in two weeks.

Inter Miami had a couple of games in hand due to their participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup during the summer. The Herons have four regular MLS games left in the season before the playoffs.

Inter Miami have qualified for the playoffs after their win over New York City FC last week. The amount of games is a concern for Inter Miami fans who want to see their best players ready for the playoffs, including Lionel Messi.

Messi has played in the last five Inter Miami games in the MLS and has played throughout the entire match without being substituted off the pitch by Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano.

Concerns over Messi's fitness happened before the match against Toronto FC, after Javier Mascherano mentioned checking on Messi before the match to see if he would be available. With Inter Miami not required to travel for the next three matches, many expect Messi to rest in one of these games.

Lionel Messi is Available for the match vs Chicago Fire

Lionel Messi has trained with the rest of the team ahead of the match against the Chicago Fire tonight at Chase Stadium. Messi is also expected to start the match and play the whole match.

Lionel Messi & Inter Miami train ahead of tomorrow’s game against the Chicago Fire.

Head coach Javier Mascherano says the team will train very little today in order to prioritize recover after playing 3 games in the past 10 days. pic.twitter.com/fjIyq71hu5
— Lizzy Becherano (@lizzy_becherano) September 29, 2025

Inter Miami is looking to win the Supporters' Shield back-to-back, but finds it difficult after the draw against Toronto FC over the weekend.

Inter Miami is 6th in the Supporters' Shield table with 56 points. They are seven points below first-place Philadelphia Union, but Inter Miami have two extra games to play.

Inter Miami would need the Philadelphia Union not to win their next two games for a chance to win the Supporters' Shield.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: