FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Lionel Messi has returned from injury as a second-half substitute for Inter Miami against the defending MLS Cup champion L.A. Galaxy at Chase Stadium on Saturday, August 16.
When the second half began, Messi walked immediately onto the pitch with the captain’s armband around his left bicep. He was immediately substituted into the match after halftime.
Messi, who suffered a right hamstring injury during a Leagues Cup tournament match on Aug. 2, returned to full participation in practice sessions this week.
“Leo is OK. In fact, he has already trained with the team since Wednesday (Aug. 13),” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano told reporters on Aug. 15.
Messi’s return ends a two-game absence for the Argentine World Cup champion. Inter Miami advanced to the Leagues Cup knockout stage with a 3-1 win against Pumas on Aug. 6, then lost 4-1 to Orlando City in a regular-season match on Aug. 10. It will also serve as a tune-up before Inter Miami plays its LeaguesCup quarterfinal match against Tigres UANL on Aug. 20 at 8 p.m.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Inter Miami-L.A. Galaxy match, and stay tuned here for live updates from USA TODAY Sports:
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Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 0: Messi enters match in second half
When the second half began, Messi walked immediately onto the pitch with the captain’s armband around his left bicep. He was immediately substituted into the match after halftime. It didn’t take him long to fire his first shot, soaring a left boot over the net in the 46th minute.
Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 0: Messi begins warming up before halftime
The crowd inside Chase Stadium erupted when Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, the Argentine World Cup champions, came off the bench to begin stretching just before halftime. Expect to see them both in the second half, with Messi making his return from injury.
Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 0: Jordi Alba scores goal
As Lionel Messi came off the bench to begin warming up, two of his former FC Barcelona running mates secured a lead right before halftime. Sergio Busquets found Jordi Alba in space, and Alba provided the finish in the 43rd minute.
Inter Miami starting lineup vs. LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy lineup vs. Inter Miami
Is Messi playing tonight?
Yes, Messi is expected to play. He is a substitute for Inter Miami against the Galaxy.
What time is Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy match?
The match begins at 7:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. in Argentina)
How to watch Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy match?
The match is available to live stream on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV and on Apple TV+.
Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy betting odds
Here are the betting odds, according to BETMGM.
Inter Miami: -220
Tie: +380
Away: +475
Over/under: 3.5 goals
Messi, Inter Miami upcoming schedule
Aug. 20: Inter Miami vs. Tigres UANL (Leagues Cup quarterfinals)
Aug. 23: D.C. United vs. Inter Miami, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS regular season)
Aug. 26 or 27: Leagues Cup semifinals (if applicable)
Aug. 30: Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS regular season)
Aug. 31: Leagues Cup final and third-place match (if applicable)