Messi's Anticipated Return: A Key Clash in Chicago

Lionel Messi is set to make his way back to the bustling city of Chicago this Sunday afternoon. However, fans eagerly await to see just how much time he’ll spend on the field—assuming he makes an appearance. Announced as a starter for Inter Miami against the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field, Messi is fit and ready for action, having traveled to Chicago with his team on Saturday. With a solid presence in Inter Miami’s last three matches—securing two goals and an assist to steer them past LAFC in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal—Messi’s vitality is undeniable. What’s more, he has a full six days before Inter Miami’s next clash with the Columbus Crew in Cleveland next Saturday, making the Chicago game a prime chance for him to remain in top condition as Inter Miami eyes four more matches to close out April. As the match begins, Messi wastes no time, launching a shot at the net within the first four minutes, only for Chicago’s goalkeeper, Chris Brady, to skillfully block it.

Indeed, Messi’s place as a starter in Inter Miami’s lineup has been confirmed. If he plays, it will mark his debut game with Inter Miami in Chicago, having missed previous matches in the city for the past two years due to injuries. This encounter follows his prior feat from the bench during a pre-Copa America friendly, where he played a crucial role in Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Ecuador on June 9, 2024. Moreover, Messi and Inter Miami have their sights set on a significant contest against Vancouver in the Champions Cup semifinal later this month. They are scheduled to travel to Vancouver’s BC Place on April 24 at 10:30 p.m. ET for the first leg, with the reverse fixture happening on April 30 at 8 p.m. ET at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.