Messi returns to Inter Miami training; status unclear for Columbus Crew match

Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul returned to Inter Miami training Friday and are listed as available for Saturday's match against Columbus Crew, though manager Guillermo Hoyos has not confirmed their playing time. Messi's status remains unresolved hours before kickoff, with both players potentially starting on the bench after their World Cup break.

Quick Facts

Messi and De Paul returned to Inter Miami training after World Cup break
Messi posted Instagram story referencing the match
Casemiro made MLS debut and was officially presented to supporters
Inter Miami won six consecutive matches without Messi
Max Arfsten transferred to Middlesbrough

Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul returned to Inter Miami training on Friday following a week-long break after Argentina's loss in the 2026 World Cup final. Both players are listed as available for selection in Saturday's home match against Columbus Crew, though manager Guillermo Hoyos has not confirmed their starting status or playing time.

Hoyos told reporters on Friday that he had not yet had a proper conversation with Messi about his involvement, stating only that the club was "genuinely happy" to have both players back. Messi posted an Instagram story referencing the match on Saturday morning, fueling speculation about a potential appearance, though he could be limited to the bench. German Berterame will miss the match due to concussion protocol from Inter Miami's previous win over CF Montreal.

Inter Miami (11-2-4, 37 points) has won six consecutive matches without Messi and De Paul, closing to within two points of Nashville SC in the Eastern Conference standings. A victory would move the Herons to the top of the conference. Messi, who has 12 goals in 14 games this season, remains one goal behind FC Dallas's Petar Musa in the MLS Golden Boot race and is the midseason favorite for the MLS MVP Award with 20 goal contributions.

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, recently acquired by Inter Miami, made his debut in last weekend's 1-0 win over CF Montreal and was officially presented to supporters on Thursday. He praised Messi as "one of the gods, if not the god of football" after training alongside him for two days. The addition of Casemiro allows De Paul to shift into a more attack-focused role on the right side of midfield.

Columbus Crew (5-8-4, 19 points) enters the match following a 2-1 victory over FC Cincinnati in the "Hell is Real" derby. The Crew are losing winger Max Arfsten to a $7.5 million transfer to English Premier League club Middlesbrough. Midfielder Taha Habroune is expected to be available despite sustaining an injury during the Cincinnati match. Diego Rossi leads Columbus with six goals this season.

If Messi and De Paul do not play Saturday, both are expected to be available for Inter Miami's Leagues Cup opener on Wednesday against Liga MX's Atlético San Luis, which would align with the completion of their mandated post-World Cup rest period.

Topics

Sports

#Casemiro #Columbus Crew #Eastern Conference #MLS #World Cup 2026 #Rodrigo De Paul #Inter Miami #Guillermo Hoyos #Lionel Messi #Supporters' Shield

Entities

Why This Matters

Inter Miami's six-game winning streak without Messi positions the team two points behind Eastern Conference leader Nashville SC; a Saturday victory would secure the conference top spot. Messi's availability directly affects the team's attacking output (he has 12 goals in 14 games this season and leads MLS MVP voting) and championship odds. Columbus Crew faces personnel losses with Arfsten's transfer to Middlesbrough, altering their available attacking options. Manager confirmation of Messi's playing time remains pending as of match eve.

Timeline & Sources

Jul 29, 2026

Wire

2026 World Cup final concluded with Argentina participation

Jul 31, 2026

Wire

Casemiro presented officially to 500 supporters at Nu Stadium

Aug 1, 2026

Wire

Messi and De Paul return to Inter Miami training; listed as available for selection

Aug 2, 2026

Wire

Inter Miami hosts Columbus Crew (Saturday match)

Aug 6, 2026

Wire

Inter Miami plays first Leagues Cup match vs Atlético San Luis (Wednesday)