Lionel Messi stepped back onto the Inter Miami pitch in South Beach last Saturday, marking his first competitive appearance since the 2026 World Cup concluded. The Argentine forward was introduced as a substitute in the 2‑2 draw with Columbus Crew, playing a modest 15 minutes before being taken off.
His limited involvement was a deliberate measure, as the team managed his workload after a grueling international tournament. Coach Tata Martino confirmed that the decision to keep Messi on the bench for most of the match was part of a careful rehabilitation plan.
Upcoming Leagues Cup Fixtures
Inter Miami’s next matches are part of the Leagues Cup, with limited tickets still available for all games. The first upcoming game is against Atlético de San Luis on Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Nu Stadium in Miami, with tickets starting at $40.
The second game is against Monterrey on Saturday, Aug. 8 at 8 p.m. ET at Nu Stadium in Miami, with tickets starting at $55. The third game is against León on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Nu Stadium in Miami, with tickets starting at $28.
Tickets for these contests have been placed on limited sale, with prices beginning at $28 for the León encounter and rising to $40 and $55 for the San Luis and Monterrey games respectively. Fans can secure seats through the club’s official channels, with additional allocations expected to open in the coming weeks.
Training and Rehabilitation
Messi’s first game action back with Inter Miami was as a substitute on Saturday, Aug. 2 against Columbus Crew. He officially resumed training with the club on Wednesday, July 29 after the World Cup, participating in light drills and ball work as part of a gradual reintegration into full‑contact practice.
The buzz surrounding his comeback has been palpable, with supporters eager to see the star’s impact in the domestic competition. While his exact role remains fluid, the excitement is clear: Inter Miami hopes to leverage Messi’s experience to push deeper into the Leagues Cup.