A new MLS Matchday is an hour away. Tomorrow, we have El Clásico between LAFC and LA Galaxy. Nevertheless, that’s a discussion for another time. Now, we are focusing our minds on the Inter Miami vs. New York Red Bulls game.

The Herons are battling to conquer the Eastern Conference, but they are far from Nashville, the ultimate contender for the Supporters' Shield.

On the other side, NYRB are going through a difficult moment following their last two defeats, but they remain a team that stays afloat and fights for every ball as if it were the last.

However, the important thing here is whether Lionel Messi will play in this match or not, as he traveled to Spain a few days ago to receive the Princess of Asturias Award.

Is Lionel Messi playing tonight for Inter Miami against the New York Red Bulls?

It has to be said, since his farewell with the Argentina national team at the Estadio Monumental, Lionel Messi's level of performance has been exceptional for what Inter Miami needs.

That doesn't mean he wasn't playing well before; it's just that against Atlanta United we saw a side of him that appeared at the 2026 World Cup against England and at the 2022 World Cup against the Netherlands, and that puts an end to the debate over who is the greatest soccer player of all time, because it's an angry Messi.

Returning to the main topic, this afternoon against NYRB, Lionel Messi is expected to start for Kily González’s side as they continue their pursuit of the MLS Cup. The Argentine superstar currently leads the league in both goals and assists, making him the frontrunner for the MVP award.

Now, Inter Miami has to keep winning; they are not among the four teams that can clinch a playoff spot this weekend.