Is Lionel Messi playing today? Projected lineups for Atlanta United vs Inter Miami in 2026 MLS season

Atlanta United host Inter Miami in a 2026 MLS season clash that pits a resurgent Atlanta side against a Miami team built around Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez.

Atlanta United have been inconsistent lately. They beat CF Montreal 3-0 on October 14, lost 1-3 to FC Cincinnati four days earlier, and before that drew 2-2 with NYCFC on September 26.

Inter Miami arrive in better rhythm. A 2-0 win over NYCFC on October 14 followed a 4-0 rout of DC on October 10, though they dropped a 1-2 decision to Columbus back on September 27.

Lionel Messi is expected to start for Inter Miami in today’s duel. He doesn’t carry any injury and has been a regular in the Herons’ starting lineup in recent games.

Tata Martino sets Atlanta United up in a 4-1-4-1, with Mauricio Amaro holding behind a midfield band of Ajani Fortune, Aleksey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirón and Giuliano Galoppo. Breel Embolo leads the line alone, relying on service from Almirón and Miranchuk out wide. The back four of Matthew Edwards, Paulo Díaz, Júnior Alonso and Elías Báez sits in front of Lucas Hoyos, and with no absences listed, Martino has his full group to work with.

Atlanta United projected starting XI (4-1-4-1): Lucas Hoyos, Matthew Edwards, Paulo Díaz, Júnior Alonso, Elías Báez, Ajani Fortune, Aleksey Miranchuk, Mauricio Amaro, Miguel Almirón, Giuliano Galoppo, Breel Embolo. Coach: Tata Martino.

Kily González lines Inter Miami up in a 4-3-3, pairing Casemiro with Rodrigo De Paul and Matías Galarza to shield a back line of Gonzalo Luján, Micael, and Sergio Reguilón in front of Dayne St. Clair. Up top, Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez flank Germán Berterame, giving Miami a front three with significant individual quality. There are no absences listed, so González sends out his preferred attacking group.

Inter Miami projected starting XI (4-3-3): Dayne St. Clair, Gonzalo Luján, Casemiro, Micael, Sergio Reguilón, Rodrigo De Paul, David Ayala, Matías Galarza, Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Germán Berterame. Coach: Kily González.