Inter Miami CF finds itself in a very different situation compared to last season. Currently, the club sits in third place in the Eastern Conference, whereas last year, the Herons were in first place at this stage of the competition.

Furthermore, Inter Miami has played one more match than the two clubs above them in Major League Soccer: New England Revolution and Nashville SC.

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Not to mention the recent defeat against Orlando City SC in the so-called Florida derby.

But as happens every week when the ball rolls for the team in pink, everyone asks the same question: Will Lionel Messi play this Saturday against Toronto FC?

Will Lionel Messi play this Saturday against Toronto FC?

But for the relief and satisfaction of all the fans of the Argentine star, yes, Lionel Messi will play against Toronto FC. It is even expected that the captain of the Herons will start the match from the opening whistle.

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There is a lot for the Argentine star to correct if he wants to raise the level this team reached last season, when it won the MLS Cup under Javier Mascherano.

Indeed, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are no longer there today, but the Herons have shown that if they take the match seriously, they can still dominate anyone.

Even Messi, because of who he is and what he can do, is responsible for carrying the strange moment that the team managed by Ángel Guillermo Hoyos is going through this season as defending champions and with a new stadium.

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So far this season, Lionel Messi has played in 12 matches, netting 8 goals and contributing one assist across both MLS and the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

These figures fall short of the extraordinary standards set by the former FC Barcelona star, highlighting the challenges and uncertainty currently facing Inter Miami.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.