Is Lionel Messi playing vs. NY Red Bulls? Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano reveals rotation plans

Lionel Messi has been in superb form for Inter Miami in recent weeks, though a sudden setback hit during the 3-0 loss to FC Cincinnati. With head coach Javier Mascherano now revealing potential rotation plans for the upcoming fixtures, fans are wondering if the Argentine legend will suit up against the New York Red Bulls.

The Herons suffered their first MLS loss since returning from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 on Wednesday, snapping a three-game winning streak. The upcoming clash with the Red Bulls marks their fifth match in just 15 days.

With a congested schedule taking its toll, Inter Miami looked sluggish and out of sync against Cincinnati. Addressing both the defeat and the challenge of managing minutes, Mascherano shared his outlook heading into the weekend.

“We were coming off a good run, and losing has an impact on the team’s morale, but there’s not much time to dwell on it. As for the fatigue, the players recovered yesterday—we didn’t do anything. Now, in a little while, we’ll train again and then head to New York with the goal of finishing this two-week marathon in the best possible way,” Mascherano told reporters on Friday.

Will Messi play vs. NY Red Bulls?

According to Mascherano, Lionel Messi is expected to start for Inter Miami in Saturday’s match against the New York Red Bulls. The Argentine completed Friday’s training session and traveled with the team, signaling his availability for the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff.

“We’ll talk about it. We haven’t trained yet today. If he’s available and feeling good, he’ll most likely start,” Mascherano said when asked about Messi’s status, setting expectations for fans attending to the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey.

Since early May, Messi has started every match for Inter Miami—a sharp contrast from earlier in the season when he missed time due to fatigue and injury. With an eye on staying sharp ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is making the most of every minute he has left on the pitch.