Is Lionel Messi Playing Tonight for Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union?

Inter Miami will be hosting the Philadelphia Union at Nu Stadium in the MLS. It is the last matchday of the MLS before the 2026 World Cup kicks off in nearly two weeks.

The MLS will return after the World Cup in late July, and Inter Miami will look to get closer to Nashville in the Eastern Conference league table. Inter Miami is second with 28 points, and Nashville is first with 33 points.

Last week, Inter Miami defeated the Portland Timbers 2-0 at home with goals from Lionel Messi and German Berterame. Messi provided the assist for Berterame.

With this game tonight being the last MLS match before the World Cup, many assume that Messi will not play the match to prevent an injury that could rule him out.

Will Lionel Messi Start for Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union

Lionel Messi is expected to start for Inter Miami tonight against the Philadelphia Union. The Argentine star will look to finish strong before heading with the Argentina national team to prepare for the World Cup.

Messi has yet to decide if he will play in the World Cup, but this upcoming week, it will be revealed if he is selected for the Argentina World Cup squad.

Messi trained with the Inter Miami team ahead of the Philadelphia Union match tonight. It would not come as a surprise if Messi does not play the full 90 minutes tonight to avoid any injury.

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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 2:39 PM.