Will Lionel Messi Take the Field as Inter Miami Seeks Payback Against Atlanta United?
Inter Miami CF aims to maintain their strong start to the 2025 MLS season when they face Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday for Matchday 4.
Miami has been busy early in the season, competing in three MLS matches and four Concacaf Champions Cup games, with their only setback being a 2–2 draw against New York City FC on opening day.
In the Champions Cup, the Herons swiftly defeated Sporting Kansas City and Jamaica’s Cavalier FC, securing a spot in the quarterfinals against LAFC. In MLS play, they come into Sunday’s game with momentum after consecutive victories over the Houston Dynamo and Charlotte FC.
After three matches, Miami holds second place in the Eastern Conference with seven points, while Atlanta sits in 11th with four.
Despite their positive results, Miami has struggled with discipline in league play. Through three matches, head coach Javier Mascherano’s squad has received a red card in each game but has managed to cope with skillful attacking and a possession-based strategy.
For Sunday’s match, third-choice goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo will start, as first-choice keeper Drake Callender remains injured and backup Oscar Ustari is suspended following a red card last week.
Will Lionel Messi lead Inter Miami to revenge?
The spotlight will be on Lionel Messi, whose availability remains uncertain. The Argentine star missed Miami’s last two MLS games but returned midweek in the Champions Cup, scoring as a substitute in Jamaica.
“The idea was for him to play 30–35 minutes in Jamaica to regain good sensations. Fortunately, we managed it well,” Mascherano said in Spanish on Friday.
“We wanted to prevent Messi from overloading himself so that it wouldn’t escalate. We handled it carefully, ensuring it didn’t turn into a serious injury.”
Sunday also gives Miami an opportunity for redemption after Atlanta eliminated them in the first round of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
“When a team knocks you out, it’s natural to want another shot at them,” Mascherano added. “When that happens, the goal is to play them again as soon as possible.”
