Will Lionel Messi Play in Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami MLS 2026 Match?
Discover if Lionel Messi will play in the Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami MLS 2026 showdown on at the 20,808-seat ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. Messi, 39, is confirmed to be under contract with Inter Miami until 2028 and has already led the team to an MLS Cup in 2025, securing consecutive MLS MVP titles in 2024 and 2025.
Lionel Messi is fully fit and expected to start for Inter Miami CF when they travel to face the Columbus Crew on Sunday evening. The fixture, scheduled for Sunday Night Soccer at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Ohio, sees the Herons continue their push towards the top of the MLS Eastern Conference standings. The Argentine playmaker carries strong form into the encounter, having avoided any injury setbacks during Miami's congested late-season run. Lionel Messi Goal Video: Inter Miami Star Scores Stunning Free-Kick Against San Diego FC in MLS 2026.
Availability and Match Readiness
Messi completed a full 90 minutes in Inter Miami’s previous league outing—a 2-2 draw with San Diego FC—scoring in the 24th minute. Earlier in the week, he also played a central role in guiding Miami to the 2026 Campeones Cup title against Mexican side Cruz Azul.
Head coach Cristian 'Kily' González has consistently deployed the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner as the attacking spearhead alongside Luis Suárez. Barring any unexpected physical issues during pre-match warm-ups, Messi will captain Miami from the start in Columbus.
Playoff Positioning and Form
Miami enter Matchday 28 sitting third in the Eastern Conference on 46 points, carrying a five-match unbeaten streak in league competition. Messi continues to lead MLS with 33 goal contributions (20 goals and 13 assists) this season, maintaining high attacking output across all competitions. Lionel Messi Farewell Match: Argentina Star to Make Final International Appearance Against Benin on October 6.
Columbus Crew, currently 13th in the East, face urgent pressure to collect points to keep their postseason qualification hopes alive. The teams previously met in August in Miami, playing out a 2-2 draw where Messi featured as a second-half substitute following his international duties.
The clash between the Columbus Crew and Inter Miami CF promises to be a captivating spectacle as both teams vie for crucial points in the MLS season. With Lionel Messi expected to take the field, global attention will undoubtedly be fixed on Columbus for this much-anticipated match.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 27, 2026 10:10 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
