Messi likely to come off bench as Inter Miami pursues points record
Inter Miami’s pursuit of the MLS points record Saturday could begin with star Lionel Messi likely coming off the bench, coach Tata Martino said on Friday.
Messi, fresh off his hat trick and two assists with the Argentine national team this week, will be evaluated after Friday’s practice for Saturday’s home game against New England Revolution at Chase Stadium.
With a win, Inter Miami would finish this season with 74 points and break the Revolution’s record of 73 points set in 2021. The club has already clinched the MLS Supporters’ Shield and the No. 1 seed in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
“The match is important because we have been setting goals and this is a goal that was not planned since the beginning of the season, but now that we have it, we will try to achieve it,” Martino said of the points record.
“Of course, our main focus is on the other Friday (the playoff game). … We are also analyzing what participation we can give to the players who came from the national team, including Leo. It is more likely that he will start from the bench because obviously he has traveled, he has played.”
How to watch Inter Miami vs. New England Revolution live stream
The Inter Miami match against New England Revolution begins at 6 p.m. ET at Chase Stadium, and it's available to live stream via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Here’s the latest on Messi
Messi has played in seven total matches, scoring eight goals, since his return on Sept. 14 from a right-ankle ligament injury during the Copa America final that sidelined him for two months.
Messi returned to Inter Miami practice on Thursday and Friday, after playing two matches with Argentina last week for World Cup 2026 qualifying.
Messi has not yet committed to playing for Argentina in the next World Cup.
“I don't get ahead of myself. I try to enjoy day by day. When the time comes, we'll see,” Messi said about the next World Cup after accepting the MARCA America Award on Thursday.
Who will Inter Miami face in the MLS Playoffs?
Inter Miami’s first playoff game is Oct. 25, with its opponent still to be determined. It will play the winner of the Eastern Conference wild-card match on Oct. 22 between the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds in the playoff picture.
No. 8 D.C. United, No. 9 CF Montréal, No. 11 Philadelphia Union and No. 12 Atlanta United are in contention for the final two playoff spots on MLS Decision Day Saturday. No. 10 Toronto has been eliminated.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Inter Miami vs. New England: Is Messi playing? How to stream match
