Is Lionel Messi Set to Start? Inter Miami vs Nashville SC Probable Lineups for 2026

Lionel Messi is expected to start when Inter Miami host Nashville SC on Saturday at Nu Stadium. Guillermo Hoyos remains interim head coach while incoming coach Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez waits for the work permit required to take charge officially.

The match carries major implications for both teams. Miami are third in the Eastern Conference with 44 points, nine behind first-placed Nashville, despite the Titans suffering their first MLS defeat since late July in a 2-1 loss to Toronto FC.

Inter Miami’s momentum has cooled following an emphatic 7-1 victory over CF Montreal. Consecutive draws against Atlanta United and the Chicago Fire cost the Herons valuable ground in the race for the Supporters’ Shield.

Miami still have the league’s most productive attack, having scored a competition-high 59 goals this season, while Nashville possess its most disciplined defense, having conceded only 19.

That clash between MLS’s most prolific offense and its stingiest backline promises an intriguing tactical contest at Nu Stadium, with Messi’s ability to create space between the lines likely to be decisive.

Inter Miami probable lineup

Hoyos will be without Mateo Silvetti, Santiago Morales and Tadeo Allende, all of whom have been ruled out through injury.

Inter Miami probable starting XI: Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Casemiro, Maximiliano Falcon, Fricio Caicedo; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, German Berterame, Luis Suarez.

Nashville SC probable lineup

Nashville are expected to use a 4-3-3 formation. Warren Madrigal is unavailable with a lower-body injury, giving Cristian Espinoza a place alongside Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar in attack.

Nashville SC probable starting XI: Brian Schwake; Andy Najar, Jack Maher, Maxwell Woledzi, Reed Baker-Whiting; Patrick Yazbek, Edvard Tagseth, Elias Saad; Cristian Espinoza, Sam Surridge, Hany Mukhtar.

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