Will Lionel Messi play for Inter Miami against Toronto FC? With a crucial Champions Cup game looming, Javier Mascherano may rest his star player. We examine Inter Miami’s priorities and the likelihood of Messi featuring in the MLS clash.
A new matchday in MLS is coming up this weekend and, as usual, all eyes are on Lionel Messi. It is no secret that the Argentine star is taking care of himself to play the best games of the season with Inter Miami (Club World Cup) and the Argentine national team (World Cup 2026), so it is an unknown to know what duels the world champion in 2022 will play.
Under this context, Inter Miami faces Toronto in what could still be called the start of the MLS season and in which “Las Garzas” (The Herons) look dominant.
It is worth mentioning that the Florida club also has the Concachampions in sight, a tournament in which they are in the quarterfinal phase on the eve of the second leg against LAFC, which they will face with a disadvantage of one goal, so it would not be unreasonable to think that Javier Mascherano would give his former teammate in the national team and in FC Barcelona a rest.
Injured and suspended: which players do Inter Miami lose?
Inter Miami has no suspended players, but several injured players such as Marcelo Weigandt, David Martínez, Tadeo Allende, Ryan Sailor, and David Ruiz.
Inter Miami vs. Toronto: Predicted lineups
- Inter Miami: Oscar Ustari; Gonzalo Luján, Maxi Falcón, Noah Allen, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Redondo, Bright, Allende; Segovia, Luis Suárez.
- Toronto FC: Sean Johnson; Henry Wingo, Sigurd Rosted, Nicksoen Gomis, Zane Monlouis; Jonathan Osorio, Kosi Thompson, Alonso Coello, Federico Bernardeschi, Derrick Etienne Jr.; Deandre Kerr.
With Inter Miami juggling MLS and Concacaf Champions Cup commitments, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Lionel Messi will play against Toronto FC. Javier Mascherano may opt to rest his star player to keep him fresh for the crucial second leg against LAFC.