Lionel Messi
MIA
RW (CF)
Wide Forward
Jun 24, 1987 (39)
Left
5'7"
148 lb
Inter Miami11 shots, saved PK, and assist in loss
Messi took 11 shots (three on goal), crossed twice, took two corners, suffered two fouls, created one chance, and assisted on Miami's lone goal in Saturday's 4-1 loss at Nashville. He also had a penalty kick saved.
Analysis: Messi was firing at will, but was unable to break through against Brian Schwake and Nashville SC. He delivered his ninth assist of the season to give Miami a lifeline before half, and peppered the Nashville goal late to no avail. Expect Messi to give Philadelphia all they can handle in Wednesday's Eastern Conference clash at Philadelphia.
Records 45 minutes Wednesday
Messi (personal) logged five shots (three on target), four crosses (one accurate) and four chances created in 45 minutes of play during Wednesday's Leagues Cup loss to Leon.
Analysis: Messi was surprisingly back early after being expected to miss a few more games due to a personal absence. He subbed on for Daniel Pinter at the beginning of the second half and was very active in both open play and set pieces during the last of three straight matches against Liga MX sides. During that stretch, Messi ended up playing 135 minutes and scoring two goals along with one assist. His presence ahead of upcoming MLS tests means a huge boost to the squad's offense, and his path to the starting lineup should be clear as long as he's available going forward.
On bench for Leon match
Messi (personal) could see minutes in the third Leagues Cup round against Leon after being listed as a substitute option despite the initial reports pointing to his absence in this game.
Analysis: Messi apparently won't sit out any more contests, but his involvement may depend on how quickly he can focus physically and mentally after dealing with a major personal matter. The talented forward will likely become Miami's biggest threat once again as soon as he's back on the pitch. His inclusion will also push one of Wednesday's starters Daniel Pinter and Telasco Jose Segovia to the bench.
Out for time being
Messi is out for the time being due to personal reasons and has been granted indefinite leave from Inter Miami, according to Marcos Olvera of AS.
Analysis: Messi will miss the remainder of Inter Miami's Leagues Cup campaign, including the group finale against Club Leon, and there is currently no specific timeline for his return. His status for upcoming MLS matches against Nashville, Philadelphia, Toronto and Montreal remains uncertain, and further updates on his availability are expected as the situation develops. Messi scored 12 goals and delivered seven assists in 15 MLS appearances this season, therefore his absence is a blow for Miami, and Daniel Pinter could see more playing time until he returns.
Four shots in return to Miami
Messi generated four shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew.
Analysis: Messi made his first appearance since the World Cup Final, subbing onto the pitch in the 53rd minute for Daniel Pinter. Messi tested the Columbus goal quite a bit, attempting four shots in his bench appearance, but was unable to help Miami secure the win. He did not create a chance in the match either, just the third time he's failed to do so in the MLS this season. He'll look to have more of an impact in the top of the table clash at Nashville SC on Saturday.
On bench Saturday
Messi (not injury related) is on the bench for Saturday's clash with Columbus Crew.
Analysis: Messi will be available to make his MLS comeback after being heavily involved for his national team at the World Cup. The star attacker proved he's still in top form with an extraordinary World Cup campaign in which he scored eight goals and delivered four assists, but at 39 years old he'll need to have his minutes managed at some point. Still, he's capable of making a huge impact even as a substitute, contributing to his side's attacks and set pieces. His eventual inclusion in Saturday's game and subsequent action will threaten Mateo Silvetti and Daniel Pinter in terms of playing time.
Back in training
Messi has returned to training with Inter Miami following his post-World Cup break, according to coach Guillermo Hoyos, per Michelle Kaufman. "We are in conversations with him, glad he and Rodri are back"
Analysis: Messi is not expected to be an option for Saturday's match against Columbus Crew, but this return to training keeps him on track for the Leagues Cup opener against Atletico San Luis on Aug. 5, having taken time to rest after representing Argentina at the World Cup. Messi is expected to continue building up his fitness as he works toward that target date.
Could be ready for Leagues Cup
Messi (not injury related) has reported to training with Inter Miami, and while he won't be an option to face Columbus on Saturday, he should be ready for the Leagues Cup opener against Atletico San Luis on August 5, according to Jose Armando Rodriguez of Deporte Total.
Analysis: Messi had some time to rest after playing with Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and his return to training suggests the star forward is inching closer to returning to action. If he's fit and doesn't need extra time to get into game shape, Messi should be an option to play for the Herons in the Leagues Cup. The first game he could play in the MLS would be a road tilt at Nashville on August 15.
Return timeline unclear for club
Messi will definitely miss Inter Miami's upcoming match against Chicago Fire, with no established return timeline after an outstanding World Cup campaign that ended in the final, per Michelle Kaufman of Miami Herald.
Analysis: Messi is coming off a World Cup campaign in which he played a heavy load of games en route to the final, recording eight goals and four assists. That workload alone makes it likely he will sit out some matches with Inter Miami now that the tournament is over, though how many remains unclear. The coach has not provided a timeline for when the Argentine will return to team training or be available for selection
Delivers five crosses against Spain
Messi registered one shot (zero on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and four corners in Sunday's 1-0 loss against Spain.
Analysis: Messi faced a difficult challenge against the World Cup's top defense, with his most relevant stats coming from set pieces, in addition to his totals of nine duels won and four fouls drawn. The legendary forward missed his chance to catch up with Kylian Mbappe at the top of the goal scoring table for both this edition and the full World Cup history, settling for a second place in both rankings. The final match marked the only of Messi's eight appearances in which he didn't score or assist throughout the competition, and he ended up with eight goals and four assists. Even during the late stages of his career, he has remained consistent and taken every opportunity to show his shooting and playmaking talent, so he'll remain a reliable fantasy asset when he returns to action with Inter Miami.
Man of the match, again
Messi assisted twice to go with one shot (zero on goal), nine crosses (three accurate) and six corners in Wednesday's 2-1 victory versus England.
Analysis: Messi remains perhaps the best player in the world and is showing no signs of slowing down. He added two more assists during Wednesday's win, and is now on 12 goal contributions in seven matches. Messi should remain crucial as Argentina look to earn their second World Cup title in a row, as Messi continues to shoulder the load.
Delivers one assist
Messi assisted once to go with four shots (one on goal), 11 crosses (five accurate) and eight corners in Saturday's 3-1 win over Switzerland.
Analysis: Messi was Argentina's most creative force in Saturday's 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland, delivering the ball that Alexis Mac Allister headed home unmarked, then registering four shots (one on target), eleven crosses (five accurate) and six chances created across his 120 minutes. The Inter Miami captain saw his nine-game World Cup scoring streak end but his eight goals remain tied for the tournament lead with Kylian Mbappe, and Argentina face England in the Atlanta semi-final with Messi two wins from a historic back-to-back title.
Goal, assist in historic comeback
Messi scored one goal and assisted once from five shots and six chances created in Tuesday's 3-2 victory over Egypt.
Analysis: Messi was the central figure in Monday's 3-2 comeback win over Egypt, missing a first-half penalty saved by Mostafa Shobeir before redeeming himself with the assist for Cristian Romero's header that pulled the score back to 2-1, then thundering the equalizing second goal in off the crossbar to make it 2-2, registering five shots (two on target), twelve crosses (four accurate), six chances created and one tackle across his 90 minutes in the most dramatic individual performance of the tournament. The Inter Miami captain extended his all-time World Cup scoring record to 21 goals and became the first player in history to score in six consecutive World Cup knockout stage appearances, also equalling Miroslav Klose's record for most knockout stage appearances (14). Argentina face Switzerland or Colombia in the quarterfinals.
Scores on nine shots
Messi scored one goal to go with nine shots (six on goal), nine crosses (four accurate) and seven corners in Friday's 3-2 win over Cape Verde.
Analysis: Messi would hit the back of the net first in Friday's contest, with the forward scoring in the 29th minute of the gritty match. That said, the forward would take another eight shots and put six on target, but couldn't find the back of the net again. He now sits at the top of the World Cup Golden Boot standings once again, with seven, one better than Kylian Mbappe.
Reaches 19 World Cup goals
Messi scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 3-1 win versus Jordan.
Analysis: Messi came off the bench in the second half of Saturday's 3-1 win over Jordan and immediately made his presence felt, curling a free-kick into the bottom corner from range with 10 minutes remaining to make it 3-1 and extend his own all-time World Cup scoring record to 19 goals, also registering two further shots (one on target), three crosses (one accurate) and two chances created across his 30 minutes. The forward now has six goals in three group games at this World Cup and heads into the round of 32 against Cape Verde having scored in a record seven consecutive World Cup matches, a record no player in the history of the competition has ever matched.
Will be substitute against Jordan
Messi will start on the bench to face Jordan on Saturday, according to manager Lionel Scaloni. "Leo will be a substitute tomorrow."
Analysis: Messi will not be in the starting XI for Argentina on Saturday, as the attacker will instead start on the bench. This is only a cautious move to prevent any unnecessary knocks and not due to an injury, preserving him for the knockout stages. He could still see time later in the match to stay fresh or help them pull out a result, although it would likely be smarter to let him rest as they look to make it back-to-back World Cup titles.
Brace against Austria
Messi recorded two goals on seven shots (four on target) to go along with two chances created and two crosses in Monday's 2-0 win over Austria.
Analysis: Messi continues his World Cup brilliance even on the brink of turning 39, as the attacker would bag a 38th and 95th minutes for a brace. This comes despite a missed penalty in the ninth minute and a closely missed free kick to end the contest, nearly earning a hat trick in consecutive matches. He still is the only goal scorer for Argentina at this World Cup with his five thus far, an early leader for the Golden Boot. It is clear his age is not affecting him at all on the World Stage, still looking to be his very best as he tries to lead Argentina to back-to-back World Cup championships.
Scores hat-trick in WC opener
Messi scored three goals to go with six shots (four on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Tuesday's 3-0 win against Algeria.
Analysis: Messi broke the deadlock for Argentina inside the opening 10 minutes, but his goal was ruled out due to offside. The Inter Miami star, who became the first player to ever appear in six World Cups, would break the deadlock with a long-range shot in the first half before adding two more goals after the break. Messi is now the top scorer of the tournament with three goals, ahead of players such as Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, but also tied Miroslav Klose for the record of most goals all-time in World Cup history. Messi is starting the tournament on fire, and when that happens, good things usually come for La Albiceleste.
Converts penalty in friendly
Messi (hamstring) scored a penalty goal in 20 minutes played as a substitute during Tuesday's international friendly against Iceland.
Analysis: Messi finally saw game time with the Argentinian national team after being sidelined since May 24, and he made a quick impact, capitalizing on an easy chance from the penalty spot and delivering the penultimate pass before his side's final goal. The veteran is now set to feature as a winger in his record-breaking sixth World Cup, and he shouldn't need many touches to make a difference, carrying high offensive value throughout the tournament. His inclusion in the initial squad will most likely push Giuliano Simeone to a substitute role.
Set for Nigeria friendly
Messi (hamstring) is expected to see action in Tuesday's friendly against Nigeria as coach Lionel Scaloni looks to have him arrive at the World Cup with match rhythm after resting him against Honduras, according to TyC Sports.
Analysis: Messi traveled with the squad and was on the bench for Saturday's win over Honduras but was unused throughout the full 90 minutes as the coaching staff managed his workload carefully. His expected involvement against Nigeria is an encouraging sign that his hamstring issue is no longer a significant concern, with the priority now shifting from recovery to building match sharpness ahead of Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16. The reigning world champions will be counting on their captain to lead the charge in what would be a historic bid for back-to-back titles, and getting him the necessary minutes before the tournament begins is clearly the next step in his preparation.
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