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Is Lionel Messi Playing Tonight For Inter Miami Vs LA Galaxy?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Marcelo Cartaxo | Last updated Aug 16, 2025 4:40 PM ET

Lionel Messi suffered a minor muscle injury in his right leg during the game against Necaxa in the second round of the League Cup. He has been out of action since, but Inter Miami managed to win their subsequent matches. Ahead of their clash with LA Galaxy, Messi’s status remains uncertain—he may start playing, or he may be sidelined.

Since returning from the Club World Cup, Inter Miami has faced an intense schedule. As the matches piled up, fans and specialists grew concerned about the 38-year-old Messi playing twice a week for 90 minutes.

Lionel Messi missed the third-round League Cup game against Pumas and Inter Miami’s 4-1 loss to Orlando City. Now, he is set to return for the match against LA Galaxy.

Having been out of official games and training separately for over a week, Messi is expected to be available on Saturday, August 16. Manager Javier Mascherano will need to decide whether to start him or bring him off the bench, as Messi is likely to return gradually to full match fitness.

Inter Miami CF head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed Lionel Messi is set to return from injury for the match against the LA Galaxy on Saturday night, becoming available for the team for the first time since Aug. 2. pic.twitter.com/S127TCq3l9
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 15, 2025

The game against LA Galaxy promises to be one of the most intense of Inter Miami’s August schedule. Both sides feature former European stars, including Riqui Puig and Marco Reus for LA Galaxy, and Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets for Inter Miami.