Lionel Messi’s status for Inter Miami’s home clash with the Columbus Crew remains unresolved hours before kickoff. While Guillermo Hoyos stopped short of confirming his presence in Friday’s press conference, the Argentine could still be present at Nu Stadium regardless. Messi has been listed as available for selection, and his presence could be a major boost for Inter Miami as they look to keep pace with Nashville SC in the Eastern Conference. The team’s recent form has been impressive, with Luis Suarez scoring the deciding goal in their 1-0 win at Montreal, and they will be looking to extend their win streak at home.
Inter Miami’s attack has been driven by Messi’s playmaking brilliance and clinical finishing, and his return to the lineup could be a significant factor in the game against Columbus Crew. The team has been performing well, with Messi tallying an impressive 12 goals and 7 assists through 18 matchdays. However, they will be facing a tough opponent in Columbus Crew, who are coming off an emotional 2-1 win over state rival FC Cincinnati. Crew interim head coach Laurent Courtois said he is preparing for a tough Miami team, whether or not Messi plays.
The game will also see the home debut of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who joined Inter Miami last week after four seasons at Manchester United. Casemiro made his debut against Montreal and put in a full 90-minute shift with 77 touches and nine passes into the final third. He will be looking to make a strong impression at Nu Stadium, and his presence in the midfield could be a key factor in the game. Rodrigo De Paul, who rejoined the squad alongside Messi, could also see some action tonight, adding another layer of intrigue to the lineup.
The match against Columbus Crew is a crucial one for Inter Miami, and they will be looking to please the home crowd with a win. The team’s fans will be eager to see Messi in action, and his presence could be a major boost to the team’s morale. With the game set to kick off at 7:30 PM ET, fans can catch the action on Apple TV and select linear broadcasters. As the team looks to extend their win streak, they will be counting on their star players to deliver, and Messi’s status will be a major talking point until the lineup is announced.
As the Eastern Conference standings continue to take shape, Inter Miami’s game against Columbus Crew will be a significant one. The team’s ability to keep pace with Nashville SC will depend on their performance in games like this, and they will be looking to take all three points. With Messi’s status still uncertain, the team will be preparing for all eventualities, and they will be counting on their depth and squad quality to get the job done. As the game approaches, fans will be eagerly awaiting the lineup announcement, and the presence or absence of Messi will be a major factor in the team’s chances of success.
