Inter Miami confirmed team news: Is Lionel Messi playing today against NYRB?

Two of the hottest teams in the MLS Eastern Conference go head-to-head at Chase Stadium this weekend.

William GittinsWillGittUpdate: May 4th, 2024 18:37 EDT0

CJ GUNTHEREFE

It may not seem like it, but less than two months have passed since Inter Miami suffered a chastening 4-0 loss at the hands of the New York Red Bulls. Back in March the Herons, playing without the injured Lionel Messi, were thoroughly outplayed in the rain at Red Bull Arena and former player Lewis Morgan scored a stunning hat-trick.

This time around things will be a little different. Miami have Lionel Messi back in the team and in incredible form as they head into the rematch against NYRB. The Herons have also been able to strengthen their backline since the first fixture, bringing in Marcelo Weigandt and Nicolas Freire to fortify the defence.

Inter Miami confirmed team: Drake Callender – Franco Negri, Nicolas Freire, Tomas Aviles, Marcelo Weigandt – David Ruiz, Sergio Busquets, Julian Gressel – Robert Taylor, Luis Suárez, Lionel Messi

Our squad for tonight 🤝#MIAvNYRB7:30PM ET | 📺 #MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV: https://t.co/M2BotvY0js pic.twitter.com/RgCv4iOlB6

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) May 4, 2024

Lionel Messi wins MLS Player of the Month

The Argentine began life in the United States with an incredible run of form in the 2023 Leagues Cup, dragging his new team to the first piece of silverware in franchise history. But the first months in MLS were not so easily for the former Barcelona star, suffering injuries that kept him sidelined for weeks at a time.

After missing four games due to a hamstring issue in March, Messi put together a string of stellar performances in April to clinch the MLS Player of the Month award. This is the first time he’s won the monthly prize in MLS and, with no CONCACAF Champions Cup distractions, he will be focused on domestic competition until the Copa América in June. Messi contributed six goals and four assists in four games to win the April award and earn resounding praise from his manager.