Is Lionel Messi Playing Tonight For Inter Miami Vs FC Cincinnati?

Inter Miami is back in action in the MLS under Javier Mascherano as they are set to take on FC Cincinnati. The Herons are coming from an impressive 2-1 win over Nashville SC.

Like Nashville, FC Cincinnati is placed higher than Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference, but not by a large margin. Fifth-place Inter Miami is four points behind second-place FC Cincinnati.

This will be Inter Miami's fourth MLS game in 11 days, and many hope to see Lionel Messi play again after scoring a brace in four consecutive games.

The Argentine star is 38 years old, and many wonder if Mascherano will rest him at some point due to the number of games he has played this summer. Messi has played all 90 minutes during the last month at Inter Miami.

Will Lionel Messi play vs FC Cincinnati?

Not only is Messi expected to play, but he is also likely to start against FC Cincinnati. Javier Mascherano was firm in his decision to play Messi when Inter Miami will need it the most. FC Cincinnati is one of the top teams this MLS Season.

A win pushes Inter Miami closer to the top positions with fewer games compared to most teams in the MLS. Messi trained along with the rest of the team ahead of the FC Cincinnati game.

Mascherano learned an interesting stat about Messi never scoring against FC Cincinnati, and his response brings assurance that Messi will start.

Javier Mascherano: "I didn’t know that. That’s great news you’re giving me because that’s great motivation. He’s surely aware. In every game, he finds extra motivation.”