Story thread · 21 reports / 6 sources

Is Lionel Messi playing today? Probable lineups for Inter Miami vs Atlanta United in 2026 MLS season

worldsoccertalk.com · 9dShare

Lionel Messi is set to start as Inter Miami host Atlanta United, with interim coach Guillermo Hoyos still in charge while Kily Gonzalez awaits his work permit. Lionel Messi is set to be in the starting lineup as Inter Miami host Atlanta United on Saturday at Nu Stadium, with interim head coach Guillermo Hoyos still in charge of the side while incoming coach Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez awaits the work permit needed to officially take the reins. The Argentine captain comes into the match in red-hot form, having scored four goals in Miami’s 7-1 rout of Montreal last time out, and there is no indication he will be eased out of the XI despite the ongoing coaching transition. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET , with Miami looking to build on its emphatic result over Montreal and Hoyos aiming to hand off a side in good form once Gonzalez is finally cleared to take over. Meanwhile, Atlanta will try to use Gerardo Martino’s insider knowledge of the Miami roster to slow down a Messi-led attack that h

First report: Lionel Messi could soon have a new Inter Miami teammate as Riquelme Fillipi move advances, but there’s a twist — worldsoccertalk.com, 12d