Lionel Messi returned to action for Inter Miami on Saturday, starting against the team he has played the most with since joining Major League Soccer.
Inter Miami will host Nashville SC on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET inside Chase Stadium, marking their fifth meeting since Messi arrived last August.
This will be Messi’s fourth consecutive match since recovering from a right hamstring injury.
Check out his arrival status here before Saturday’s game.
How can I watch Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC live stream?
Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC kicks off at 7:30pm ET and will be broadcast through MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
The starting lineup for Inter Miami vs. Nashville is as follows:
Inter Miami faces Nashville for the fifth time
Inter Miami has two wins and two draws against Nashville in their last four games, with Inter Miami defeating Nashville by a combined score of 5-3 in the Concacaf Champions Cup last month. But their first meeting in the League Cup final was the most memorable, as Messi led Inter Miami to their first championship in franchise history last summer.
“We know from the time we played them that it’s always going to be a tough game every time we play them. [Leagues Cup] Last. Every time I play it, I feel like, oh, I’m playing it again. Even my mother asked, “Oh my god, are you going to play again?” Inter Miami’s David Luiz said this week.
“Honestly, it feels like the finals again. We know it’s going to be a very competitive game no matter what. We’re ready and looking forward to getting the win.”
How did Messi return from injury?
Messi has scored two goals in his last three games, scoring against Colorado on April 6th and against Sporting Kansas City last Saturday. Messi was sidelined from March 13th to April 6th due to injury.
However, on April 10, when Inter Miami was eliminated by LIGA MX Club Monterrey in the quarterfinals of the Champions Cup, Messi did not score but recorded an assist.
Inter Miami continues to suffer from injuries in April
Inter Miami coach Tata Martino announced on Friday that Jordi Alba will be sidelined if he misses the next two games. Alba is suffering from an injury to his right hamstring.
Inter Miami may play against Nashville without strikers Robert Taylor and Leo Campana, who have returned to training but are recovering from hamstring injuries. Defender Sergei Kryvtsov (hamstring) has not yet returned to training.
A look back at the Inter Miami vs. Nashville series
Messi scored a goal and helped Inter Miami defeat Nashville 10-9 on penalty kicks to win the League Cup Final on August 17, 2023 – at Inter Miami Seventh game of his career.
∎Messi and Inter Miami played a scoreless draw against Nashville on August 30, 2023.
■In the first leg of the Champions Cup Round of 16 on March 7, Messi scored in the 52nd minute, Luis Suarez scored in extra time, and Inter Miami escaped with a 2-2 draw.
■In the 3-1 win against Inter Miami on March 13, Suarez scored in the 8th minute and Messi scored in the 23rd minute, but he was forced to leave in the 50th minute due to a right hamstring injury.
What is Inter Miami’s upcoming schedule?
Inter Miami’s next five games after the game against Nashville are as follows:
∎April 27: Inter Miami, New England Revolution, 7:30 p.m. ET
∎May 4: Inter Miami vs. New York Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m. (ET)
∎May 11: Inter Miami, CF Montreal, 7:30pm ET
∎May 15: Inter Miami at Orlando City, 7:30pm ET
∎May 18: Inter Miami vs. DC United, 7:30pm ET
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