Tuesday night brings another MLS clash at Chase Stadium as Inter Miami faces the Chicago Fire. This will be the fifth match in just two weeks for Miami, a stretch that has tested both the depth and endurance of the squad.
Inter Miami’s Situation
The Herons have already clinched a spot in the MLS playoffs after their recent win over New York City FC. With the postseason secured the main question for fans and bettors is simple: Will Lionel Messi be in the lineup against Chicago?
So far Messi has suited up for every match during this heavy run of fixtures and has not been substituted out once. He continues to lead the Golden Boot race with 24 goals in 24 games though he was held scoreless in the recent 1-1 draw with Toronto.
Fatigue Becomes a Factor
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano admitted this week that fatigue has become a serious challenge. Tuesday’s contest will mark Miami’s 54th match of 2025, an unprecedented workload fueled by deep runs in multiple tournaments including the Concacaf Champions Cup, Club World Cup and Leagues Cup.
“This day was always going to come,” Mascherano said when asked about his players’ condition. “With less than 72 hours between games we have to manage carefully. It’s not easy especially with so many of our key guys in their mid to late 30s.”
To help recovery Monday’s training session was deliberately light for veterans like Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. While Miami has already locked up the playoffs staying in the top four of the Eastern Conference is crucial to secure home field advantage so resting Messi is not an easy call.
The Opponent: Chicago Fire on the Rise
The Fire arrive in South Florida in strong form under coach Gregg Berhalter. They have rattled off back to back shutout wins (3-0 over Minnesota and 2-0 over Columbus) and can clinch their first playoff berth since 2017 with a victory tonight.
Belgian striker Hugo Cuypers leads the way with 17 goals while Jonathan Bamba, Andre Gutman, Andre Franco and Philip Zinckernagel (five goals in his last 10 games) provide plenty of attacking balance. Chicago is expected to play with a five man back line though the suspension of defender Sam Rogers may force adjustments.
MORE: Tottenham scout 12-goal star as Chelsea and Brighton also in fray
What It Means for Messi?
Given the packed schedule, playoff spot already secured and the age profile of Inter Miami’s stars there is reason to believe Messi could see reduced minutes or potentially sit this one out. However with Miami sliding to fourth in the East every point matters in the fight for home field advantage. That competitive edge and Messi’s relentless drive make it hard to imagine him being completely left out.
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