Is Lionel Messi playing today? Projected lineups for Inter Miami vs Necaxa in Leagues Cup 2025
This Saturday night, Inter Miami will play their second match of the Leagues Cup 2025. The game takes place at Chase Stadium against Necaxa from Mexico, as the Herons look for a win to move closer to a spot in the quarterfinals. Given how crucial he is to the team, all attention is understandably focused on Lionel Messi and whether he’ll be available to play.
The Argentine forward played the full 90 minutes in the tournament opener vs. Atlas on Wednesday. In that match, he assisted both Telasco Segovia and Marcelo Weigandt to help the Herons secure a valuable 2-1 win.
That result could prove decisive for Javier Mascherano’s squad. The tournament format—where only 4 of the 18 MLS teams advance to the next round—leaves virtually no margin for error. In fact, despite winning their first match, Inter Miami are currently outside the qualification zone due to goal differential.
Tonight’s game against Necaxa carries a massive weight. And that’s why Lionel Messi’s presence in the starting lineup is a major topic. “He’s someone who feels much better playing than resting,” Mascherano said during Friday’s press conference when asked about the Argentine forward’s availability. “Unless Leo feels fatigue and tells us, the idea is for him to play every game.”
Projected Inter Miami lineup vs Necaxa
Based on Mascherano’s comments, it seems likely that Lionel Messi will be in the starting XI for Inter Miami tonight against Necaxa at Chase Stadium. He is also expected to be joined by other key stars, including Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Rodrigo De Paul, and Luis Suarez.
Inter Miami’s projected starting lineup: Rocco Rios Novo; Marcelo Weigandt, Gonzalo Lujan, Maxi Falcon, Jordi Alba; Tadeo Allende, Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez.
Projected Necaxa lineup
Necaxa, like Inter Miami, got off to a strong start in the Leagues Cup 2025. On Wednesday, they defeated Atlanta United 3-1, giving them a solid boost in their push for a quarterfinal spot. However, they currently sit outside the qualifying zone on goal differential.
Coach Fernando Gago could go with the following starting XI: Ezequiel Unsain; Emilio Martinez, Tomas Jacob, Diego De Buen, Cristian Calderon; Kevin Rosero, Diego Gomez, Agustin Palavecino, Johan Rojas; Diber Cambindo, Pavel Perez.