Is Lionel Messi playing today, Aug. 15? Projected lineups for Nashville SC vs Inter Miami in 2026 MLS season

Lionel Messi is projected to start for Inter Miami in Saturday’s crucial MLS clash against Nashville SC. The Argentine captain is expected to lead the line just days after coming off the bench in Miami’s Leagues Cup elimination loss to Club León.

Heading into the week, head coach Guillermo Hoyos had declined to confirm Messi’s availability, citing the emotional toll following the passing of Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, and stressing that any return would need to happen gradually.

With Messi now projected in the starting XI, it appears he’s ready to take on a bigger role again as the club navigates one of its most important stretches of the season.

The stakes are significant for both sides. Nashville currently sit atop the Eastern Conference in the Supporters’ Shield race, with Miami chasing close behind, making this one of the most important regular-season matchups left on the calendar for both clubs.

Kickoff is set for 07:30 p.m. ET at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee, with both sides fielding strong lineups as they push for positioning down the stretch of the regular season.

Inter Miami’s projected lineup

With Messi back in the fold after his cameo against León, Hoyos is expected to reshuffle his attack around the captain once again, while continuing to manage his overall workload following the recent loss of his father.

Inter Miami’s projected starting XI: Ríos Novo; Fray, Caicedo, Micael, Allen; Bright, Casemiro, De Paul, Segovia; Messi, Suárez.

Nashville SC’s projected lineup

Nashville, meanwhile, will look to protect their spot atop the Eastern Conference standings, fielding a lineup built around the attacking partnership of Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge that has carried them for much of the season.

Nashville SC’s projected starting XI: Schwake; Najar, Woledzi, Palacios, Lovitz; Acosta, Tagseth, Mohammed; Espinoza, Mukhtar, Surridge.