Will Lionel Messi Play Tonight in Inter Miami vs Portland Timbers MLS 2026 Match?

League leaders Inter Miami CF prepare to host the Portland Timbers at Nu Stadium on Sunday, 17 May 2026, as part of the MLS 'Sunday Night Soccer' showcase. The Herons enter the fixture in exceptional form, having secured 22 points from their opening nine matches. The visiting Timbers arrive in Florida seeking to break into the Western Conference top nine. While Portland recently thrashed Sporting Kansas City 6-0, they face a daunting task against a Miami side currently undefeated in their last seven outings Cristiano Ronaldo Spotted Crying as Al Nassr Suffer AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 Final Defeat (Watch Video).

Lionel Messi, who recently netted a hat-trick against Cincinnati, remains the focal point for fans, who are eager to know if Inter Miami captain will start in XI.

Will Lionel Messi Play Tonight in Inter Miami vs Portland Timbers MLS 2026 Match?

Lionel Messi is expected to lead the line for Inter Miami, as the Argentine superstar enters the fixture in peak form, following a decisive performance in midweek that helped maintain Miami’s position at the summit of the Eastern Conference. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup only weeks away, all eyes remain on the 38-year-old’s fitness and his role in the Herons' push for silverware.

Messi's hat-trick against FC Cincinnati took his season tally to 12 goals, placing him second in the Major League Soccer Golden Boot race. Despite concerns earlier in the season regarding minor muscle fatigue, head coach Javier Mascherano has indicated that the captain is fully fit. Lionel Messi Salary: Inter Miami Star Becomes Highest-Paid Player in MLS History With USD 25 Million Annual Base Pay.

As 2026 is a World Cup year, Messi’s match minutes are being scrutinised by both club and national team supporters. With Argentina set to begin their title defence in June, the forward is prioritising match rhythm while avoiding unnecessary risks. However, sources close to the club suggest that while he may not play the full 90 minutes if the result is secured early, he remains central to the tactical plan.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 17, 2026 06:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).