Lionel Messi’s fitness is under the microscope these days as Inter Miami prepares to face LA Galaxy on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Chase Stadium. After missing the MLS All-Star Game and then sitting out the previous match with a minor right-leg muscle injury,

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) reacts after scoring a goal against Los Angeles Galaxy in the second half of their MLS match at Chase Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Photo by Matias J. Ocner [email protected]

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Inter Miami hosted the reigning MLS champions LA Galaxy in a match that saw Lionel Messi return from injury. After missing two weeks due to a muscle injury in his right leg, Messi didn’t start the match but later came on as a second-half substitute. Rodrigo De Paul also entered the game in the second half.