Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will be back in action this Wednesday. The Florida-based team will host its Leagues Cup final rivals SC Nashville in the Argentine star’s first home game in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Messi had a great MLS debut last Saturday when Inter Miami beat New York Red Bulls 2-0 away to claim its first win in the league since May. The World Cup-winner started from the bench due to fatigue but was subbed in on the last half hour of the game and scored the second goal of the game.

The former FC Barcelona and PSG player has 11 goals and 3 assists in his first nine games with Inter Miami’s and has been key to the team’s change in fortunes. 

With its last win, Inter Miami has now won 21 points in 23 games played and managed to climb out of last position in the Eastern Conference. 

Nashville, on the other hand, has struggled recently. The team known as the Boys in Gold has lost its four last MLS games, including its post-Leagues Cup return, suffering a 4-0 thrashing away at Atlanta United. However, it remains in contention for a playoff spot, with 38 points in 25 games.

Messi and Inter Miami are set to play Los Angeles FC following this game, after which the Herons will face their biggest challenge yet. Given that the MLS does not stop during FIFA days for international games, on September 9 they will host Kansas City without their talismanic leader — they’re undefeated since Messi’s arrival —, who will be captaining Argentina’s National Team against Ecuador and Bolivia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.  

Messi’s MLS return would most likely come on September 16, when the Herons visit Atlanta United.

The match is set to start at 8:30 p.m. Argentina time. An Apple TV subscription is required to watch every MLS game , with a monthly cost of US$7, plus the MLS Season Pass costing US$15 dollars per month or US$99 for the entire season.