Is Lionel Messi playing today? Projected lineups for Inter Miami vs Club Leon in 2026 Leagues Cup

Inter Miami and Club Leon clash in Matchday 3 of the 2026 Leagues Cup, with the availability of captain Lionel Messi remaining the primary question for Herons fans.

Last Saturday, the soccer world was saddened by news of the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi. The star forward traveled to Rosario, Argentina, to bid farewell to his father and spend time with his family.

On Tuesday, Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos revealed that there was no exact timeline for Messi’s return. His comments indicate the captain may not be available to face Club Leon, though other reports suggest he will return to Florida on Wednesday and could see minutes if needed.

Inter Miami’s projected lineup to face Club Leon

With Lionel Messi’s availability uncertain, Inter Miami could repeat their starting lineup from the match against CF Monterrey, where the Argentine superstar was unavailable.

Inter Miami projected XI (4-3-3): Rocco Rios Novo; Ian Fray, Fricio Caicedo, Micael, Noah Allen; Yannick Bright, Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul; Lovens Delinois, Daniel Pinter, Telasco Segovia.

Club Leon’s projected lineup to face Inter Miami

Club Leon secured a key victory against Orlando City on Matchday 2. That win keeps their hopes of advancing alive, with a victory against Inter Miami virtually securing a spot in the knockout stage without needing other results.

Club Leon projected XI (4-3-3): Oscar Garcia; Sebastian Vegas, Juan Guevara, Jhohan Romana, Ivan Moreno; Ivan Rodriguez, Fernando Beltran, Rodrigo Echeverria; Sebastian Santos, Daniel Arcila, Jordi Cortizo.