Current:Home > NewsIs Messi playing tonight? Inter Miami vs. New York City FC live updates -StockSource
Is Messi playing tonight? Inter Miami vs. New York City FC live updates
View
Date:2025-04-18 01:29:14
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have five matches remaining to make a push for the MLS postseason.
But all eyes remain on Messi’s availability and whether the World Cup champion and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will return to action.
Messi will not play in tonight’s match against New York City FC at DRV PNK Stadium.
Messi was not on Inter Miami’s team bus when it arrived to the stadium, nor listed on the club’s roster for the match.
So, Messi will miss his third straight game.
Messi is considered day to day with fatigue and a lingering injury that has been undisclosed for much of the month of September, causing him to miss four of his last five matches.
8:10 p.m. ET: Inter Miami rain delay update
Inter Miami and NYCFC players came back onto the pitch at 8:10 p.m., despite a steady rain still falling, to warm up after their weather delay.
Play could begin at 8:32 p.m., Inter Miami announced on social media.
Fans have also begun to re-enter the stands again.
Inter Miami-NYCFC under rain delay
While players from both sides were on the pitch for pregame warmups, a weather delay was instituted that has interrupted the start of tonight's match.
Thunder and lightning, which wasn't present during warmups, appeared shortly before the 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
With news of Leo Messi out, the rain is just more bad news for Inter Miami on Saturday night.
How to watch Messi’s match today vs. New York City FC?
The Inter Miami-New York City FC match at 7:30 p.m. ET is available to stream on Apple TV.
Inter Miami lineup
What has Inter Miami said about Messi?
Messi wanted to play in Inter Miami’s 2-1 loss to Houston Dynamo in the U.S. Open Cup final last Wednesday.
But the club ultimately decided against Messi playing to preserve his health.
“We are taking it day-by-day,” Inter Miami assistant coach Javier Morales told reporters on Friday, according to the Miami Herald.
“We were trying up until the last moment to see if he could play some minutes in the (U.S. Open Cup) final but he couldn’t do it. At this point, it’s communication with the medical staff and, most important, with him to see how he’s feeling. He is going to train (Friday) and test it out and we will see if he’s available for Saturday, which is what we all want.”
More from Inter Miami's assistant coach:
“Muscle injuries are tricky because you can think you’re fine, and then you play a game or go through training and you end up worse,” Morales said.
“We knew it was a final, Leo wanted to play, we all wanted that, but he didn’t feel 100 percent. You don’t want to make an injury worse, and instead of missing one game have to miss a month. The idea is to have him healthy as long as possible.”
Has Messi practiced with Inter Miami during his injury stint?
Messi did come out to the pitch for Inter Miami’s practice Friday toward the end of the portion of training available to the media.
What is Jordi Alba’s injury?
Jordi Alba, a former Barcelona FC standout like Messi, has also been sidelined due to injury.
Although previously undisclosed, Morales said Alba is dealing with a hamstring injury.
Alba will not play for Inter Miami against New York City FC.
“Jordi’s is a different situation, it’s a little longer than Leo,” Morales said. “It’s a hamstring injury. He’ll definitely be out for this weekend.”
Where does Inter Miami stand in MLS playoff race?
Inter Miami is 14th of 15 teams, trailing NYCFC for the ninth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference by five points with two games in hand.
Miami has 32 points, while NYCFC has 37.
What is Inter Miami's remaining 2023 schedule?
- Sept. 30: vs. New York City FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Oct. 4: at Chicago Fire FC, 8:30 p.m. ET
- Oct. 7: vs. FC Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Oct. 18: vs. Charlotte FC, 8 p.m. ET
- Oct. 21: at Charlotte FC, 6 p.m. ET
The rest of Inter Miami’s matches and the rest of MLS are available to watch via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
veryGood! (9295)
Related
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Wisconsin judge to hear union lawsuit against collective bargaining restrictions
- Texas runoffs put Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales, state’s GOP House speaker in middle of party feud
- Fire at amusement park in western India kills at least 20, police say
- NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
- Nicki Minaj apologizes for postponed concert after incident in Amsterdam
- The Tragic Truth About Amy Winehouse's Last Days
- Mike Tyson ‘doing great’ after falling ill during weekend flight from Miami to Los Angeles
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Olivia Culpo's Malibu Bridal Shower Featured a Sweet Christian McCaffrey Cameo
Ranking
- Meet first time Grammy nominee Charley Crockett
- Christopher Bell prevails at NASCAR's rain-shortened Coca-Cola 600
- TSA sets new record for number of travelers screened in a single day
- Stock market today: Asian shares are mixed after US holiday quiet
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes' Love Story in Their Own Words
- Social media reacts to news of Bill Walton's passing: One of a kind. Rest in peace.
- Grayson Murray, two-time PGA tour winner, dies at 30
Recommendation
Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
The Other Border Dispute Is Over an 80-Year-Old Water Treaty
Cannes Film Festival awards exotic dancer drama 'Anora' top prize
What retail stores are open Memorial Day 2024? Hours for Target, Home Depot, IKEA and more
Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
Lightning strike kills Colorado rancher and 34 head of cattle
Grayson Murray, two-time PGA tour winner, dies at 30
Former ‘General Hospital’ actor Johnny Wactor killed in downtown Los Angeles shooting