Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images

Is Lionel Messi Playing Tonight for Inter Miami vs. DC United?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Mar 7, 2026 11:30 AM ET

DC United will host Inter Miami this Saturday, March 7, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, at 4:30 p.m. ET, in Matchday 3 of the MLS.

Lionel Messi is available and fit to start in this Eastern Conference clash. The Argentine and his teammates aim to build on their momentum after a dramatic 4-2 comeback win at Orlando City on March 2, following a 3-0 defeat to LAFC in the season opener on Feb. 21.

Javier Mascherano’s team was largely outplayed in its season start. Although the Los Angeles club did not dominate possession, it recorded five shots on goal, while the Herons recorded only two.

Lionel Messi did not appear on the scoresheet in that first match. The goal scorers for Los Angeles FC were David Martinez (38′), Denis Bouanga (73′), and Nathan Ordaz (90+4′).

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami takes a shot during an MLS match between Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF at Inter&Co Stadium on March 01, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.Photo by Dustin Markland/Getty Images

Lionel Messi Set To Start for Inter Miami vs. DC United

Messi, 38, was unable to make a difference in the opener, and his team suffered a premature disappointment in this new soccer year.

After falling to LAFC, Inter Miami traveled to Orlando and responded with a statement 4-2 comeback win over Orlando City. In that match, Messi scored twice in the second half, including a free kick in the 90th minute, while Telasco Segovia added a goal and two assists.

The Argentine icon had some physical complications during the preseason, but after postponing the last preparation match against Independiente del Valle, Messi had the opportunity to recover to start in the season opener.

Now, the Barcelona legend is ready to start against DC United, trying to give his fans another big performance and a second straight league victory.

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

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