Is Messi playing tonight? Inter Miami suggest captain will return

Inter Miami go into Saturday’s game against Cincinnati FC knowing that they need a victory to keep their playoff dreams alive.

They have struggled in recent weeks without the talents of Lionel Messi but the Herons look set to welcome back the Argentinian World Cup winner for the do-or-die clash at DRV PNK Stadium.

On Friday evening the Inter Miami social media team posted a picture of Messi alongside the caption ‘Nos vemos mañana’, Spanish for ‘See you tomorrow’.

The Argentine returned to training last week but was not adjudged to be ready for the midweek game against Chicago Fire. After a chastening defeat to their playoff rivals Inter Miami are now five points adrift of the final qualification place.

The Herons have three games remaining, one more than most of the teams ahead of them, but their upcoming fixture is not easy. On Saturday they take on Supporters’ Shield winners Cincinnati.

LIVE: Messi to return as Inter Miami face Cincinnati FC

Is Lionel Messi fit to play?

Since he was withdrawn due to injury against Toronto on 21 September, Inter Miami have insisted that Messi will not be rushed back ahead of time. The 36-year-old did not have a proper pre-season, joining Miami after the expiration of his Paris Saint-Germain contract over the summer, and was coming off an exhausting European campaign with a mid-season World Cup.

The most recent update from Inter Miami came from assistant coach Javi Morales, who spoke to reporters on Friday morning.

Morales said: “It’s more of the same, we have to evaluate him day by day. The good news is he trained [Thursday], he will train [Friday], and afterwards we will make a decision. But he is doing better every day.”

Can Inter Miami make the playoffs?

After the Cincinnati test, Miami finish off their regular season campaign with a double-header against Charlotte FC. Christian Lattenzio’s side also have three games remaining and they are currently in 13th place, three points ahead of Miami.

If Miami win their remaining three fixtures they will overtake Charlotte and stand a fighting chance of making the playoffs. But after failing to win in their last three MLS fixtures, playoff qualifications is now out of their hands.

Morales told reporters: “Our destiny is not in our hands anymore, but that doesn’t mean we won’t still try to reach the playoffs.”

“We know we must win all three, and the most important is Saturday because it’s the next game, and our attitude is the same as always, to get three points at home.”

You can watch a live stream of Inter Miami vs Cincinnati on AppleTV.