Lionel Messi
Right Winger
Center Forward
Playmaking Forward
Jun 24, 1987 (39)
Left
5'7"
148 lb
Appears less than fully fit
Messi logged one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and two chances created in 34 minutes as a substitute, but he appeared to struggle physically during Saturday's 2-0 loss to Red Bull New York, per Jose Armando Rodriguez of Deporte Total USA.
Analysis: Messi was granted permission to travel to Spain midweek, so he missed training sessions with his club and was only used as an emergency substitute when they were in need of an equalizer. His absence from team work helps explain why the forward was not in the starting lineup Saturday, but it's likely he'll continue to build his fitness levels so that he's in top shape for the playoffs. Riquelme Fillipi wasted an opportunity to show his skills against the Red Bulls and will likely head back to the bench to allow for Messi's inclusion in subsequent contests.
Not starting Saturday
Messi is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Red Bulls.
Analysis: Messi was a surprising omission from the starting lineup Saturday, and while no official reasons were provided for his absence, this move makes sense after he flew to Spain midweek to receive the Principe de Asturias Award. Not having Messi will be a huge blow for Inter Miami, as he has 25 goals and 12 assists in 27 appearances (26 starts) this season. Riquelme Fillipi will take his place in the XI.
Nets brace
Messi scored two goals to go with five shots (four on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 3-1 win against Atlanta United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 96th minute.
Analysis: Messi would stay quiet in the first half but came alive in the second half, netting a goal in the 56th and 60th minutes for a brace. He continues an insane streak of goal contributions that goes back to Aug. 2, with 12 straight appearances with a goal or an assist during that period. He has recorded 13 goals and five assists during that span, with 25 goals and 12 assists in his 27 appearances (26 starts) this campaign.
Playmaking Streak Rolls On
Messi assisted once to go with seven shots (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and three corners in Wednesday's 2-0 win over New York City FC.
Analysis: Messi continues his remarkable run, recording an assist in the 2-0 win over NYCFC on Wednesday. He has now appeared on the scoresheet in each of his last 11 MLS appearances, totaling 11 goals and five assists during that span while remaining one of the leading contenders for MLS MVP thanks to his consistent impact for Miami.
Nets brace in win
Messi scored two goals off eight shots (four on target), created one chance and sent in two crosses (one accurate) during Saturday's 4-0 win over D.C. United.
Analysis: Messi was once again unstoppable, pacing his team in shots attempted and bagging a second-half brace to bring his season totals to a MLS-best 23 goals over 25 appearances, including 11 in his last eight starts. Having one of the greatest of all time in a tear with the playoffs approaching is definitely a great sign not of for Inter Miami, but also for the ones with the privilege of having him on fantasy teams.
Stars in international farewell
Messi recorded one goal and two assists in his final international appearance as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 on Tuesday, according to the club.
Analysis: Messi was directly involved in all three goals in his Argentina farewell, setting up Nicolas Otamendi from a corner and Nico Paz from open play before converting a penalty. The performance provided a fitting conclusion to an international career spanning 208 appearances, 126 goals and 70 assists, highlighted by the 2022 World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. He also ends his international career with 21 World Cup goals, underlining his production on the biggest stage. Messi now returns his full focus to the closing stretch of the MLS campaign, where he has recorded 21 goals and 11 assists while creating 63 chances across 24 league appearances this season. He remains the centerpiece of the attack heading into the final matches before the playoffs.
Set for retirement match
Messi is set to join Argentina on Sunday to prepare for his final international match before retirement, according to manager Lionel Scaloni, per Fabrizio Romano. "For sure, Messi is expected to join the camp on Sunday after the game against Burkina Faso. If he wants to play on 3rd October too, no problem!"
Analysis: Messi is set to join Argentina for the international break, currently set to leave Sunday and join the team for their match against Benin on Oct. 6. This will come as the legendary player's final international match after announcing his retirement around a month ago, set to close this stage of his career against Benin on Oct. 6. It will likely go down as one of the more significant matches of all time, watching one of the all time greats, if not the all time great, hanging up hit boots for his national team for the final time.
Scores in Sunday's loss
Messi scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 2-1 loss against Columbus Crew.
Analysis: Messi scored from a free kick in the 33rd minute Sunday, an excellent strike which tied the match shortly after Columbus took the lead. Messi has now scored in nine consecutive matches since the World Cup, with nine goals and four assists over that stretch. He's now set to play one final match for Argentina against Benin on Oct. 6, so it's unclear if he'll be ready for Miami's match with D.C. United on Oct. 10 after what is sure to be an emotional match for Messi.
Available vs. Columbus
Messi will be available for Sunday's match against Columbus and will later link up with Argentina for a friendly match against Benin on Oct. 6.
Analysis: Messi will play for one last time with La Albiceleste against Benin in October, but first, the star playmaker will feature for Inter Miami against the Crew in what should be a pivotal matchup in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Messi has cracked the scoresheet in each of his last eight MLS appearances, tallying eight goals, four assists, 58 shots (25 on target), 19 chances created, 28 crosses and 25 corners in that dominant stretch.
Scores free kick Sunday
Messi scored one goal to go with 10 shots (five on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus San Diego FC.
Analysis: Messi scored a free kick goal in the 24th minute Sunday, an excellent strike which tied the match at 1-1 early on. It was one of 10 shots he took in the match, the fourth time this season he's hit double digits. He also created three chances in his third straight match. Messi has been in great form since the World Cup as he's scored or assisted in each of his eight starts since the break, totaling eight goals and four assists across those eight starts.
Called up for last tango
Messi is a doubt for Sunday's clash against Columbus after being called up to Argentina's squad for the October 6 friendly against Benin, his final match with the national team, according to ESPN Argentina.
Analysis: Messi announced his retirement from international play on August 31, and Argentina federation president Claudio Tapia confirmed the fixture will be dedicated to him, with all of the 2022 World Cup winning squad also invited to join him for the occasion. He departs as Argentina's all-time leading scorer and most capped player, with 125 goals in 207 appearances, and his potential absence for Inter Miami could see the club adjust its attacking setup for the Columbus match, with Daniel Pinter as a potential option on the right wing.
Takes Golden Boot lead in draw
Messi took eight shots (four on goal), took four corners, created three chances, sent in two crosses, and scored a goal in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Nashville SC.
Analysis: Messi's league-leading 19th goal of the season wasn't enough to help Inter Miami earn a win. He continues to post video-game numbers, reeling off eight or more shots in three of his last four appearances. He will look to add another trophy to his case in Wednesday's Campeones Cup clash with Cruz Azul, before returning to league play on Sunday at home against San Diego FC.
Assists in road draw
Messi assisted once to go with nine shots (four on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and five corners in Wednesday's 1-1 draw versus Chicago Fire.
Analysis: Messi created Casemiro's equalizer just after halftime with his 11th assist in the season. He also led Miami in shots, crosses and chances created in another strong offensive performance. That was his seventh game in a row scoring or assisting and 16th overall in 21 appearances (20 starts).
Bags assist
Messi assisted once to go with six shots (one on goal), six crosses (one accurate) and six corners in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Atlanta United.
Analysis: Messi wouldn't find the back of the net again Saturday after four goals in Miami's last outing, but was still able to earn a goal contribution, linking up with Casemiro in the 32nd minute. This continues a good run for the legend of the game following his return from the World Cup, earning six goals and three assists in his last five outings. He now has 18 goals and 10 assists in 20 appearances (19 starts) this season.
Retires from international football
Messi announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his 21-year career with Argentina, the player confirmed on social media.
Analysis: Messi retires at age 39 after an extraordinary international career in which he accumulated 207 caps and 125 goals for Argentina, both national records. He also made a record 34 World Cup appearances, scoring 21 goals in the competition. His final appearance came in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, capping a career highlighted by the 2022 World Cup, Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024 and the 2022 Finalissima. Messi's retirement applies only to international duty, with the forward continuing his club career with Inter Miami.
Hat trick in win
Messi scored three goals and assisted once from eight shots and six chances created in Saturday's 7-1 win versus CF Montreal.
Analysis: Messi was a star once again, netting three goals to go along with his usual offensive output. He should continue dominating against Atlanta United, a side which has allowed 38 goals so far in MLS play this season.
Scores against Toronto
Messi scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Toronto FC.
Analysis: Messi had no trouble beating the goalkeeper after receiving a favorable ball from Rodrigo De Paul in the 89th minute, but the goal served only to halve the scoring deficit as Miami recorded its fourth loss in the last five official matches. Even in one of his most discreet outings of the campaign, the forward attempted multiple shots and crosses, and the goal marked his sixth direct contribution in as many games since returning to club action after the World Cup. He'll offer near-guaranteed attacking output as long as he stays in the starting lineup throughout the season, playing either in central or right-wing roles and delivering a significant share of set pieces.
Scores in draw
Messi scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Philadelphia Union.
Analysis: Messi returned to scoring form after going three league games without finding the net, though the Argentine had a quiet offensive night otherwise by his usual standards. Beyond the goal, he managed only two free kick shots and created one chance, attempting no dribbles in the game. Still, he remained central to everything Miami produced, involved in four of the team's five shots on the night.
11 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.
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