Messi sits 1 goal shy of No. 900
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Inter Miami's Lionel Messi works out during a training session, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., ahead of Saturday's of the MLS Cup soccer match against the Vancouver Whitecaps. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP) FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.
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Is Lionel Messi playing today? Projected lineups for LAFC vs. Inter Miami in 2026 MLS season opener
Los Angeles FC face Inter Miami in the first match of the 2026 Major League Soccer season, and all eyes are on Lionel Messi. More than two and a half months have passed since Inter Miami won the 2025 Major League Soccer title.
Inter Miami travels to Lima for a 2026 pre-season friendly versus Alianza Lima. New signings join, but Lionel Messi remains a key player and is training for the season. Messi is expected to play, though it’s unclear if he will start or play the full match.
For Lionel Messi, the MLS Cup final on Saturday will represent some endings. And, quite possibly, a new beginning. Messi and Inter Miami will take on Thomas Muller — one of his longtime rivals — and the Vancouver Whitecaps for Major League Soccer's ...