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See the full story · 2 sourcesIs Lionel Messi playing vs. Columbus Crew? Latest on Inter Miami forward's status after returning from World Cup originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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Fans waiting to see Lionel Messi back on the pitch might not have to wait much longer.
The Argentina star has rejoined Inter Miami after his post-World Cup break, setting the stage for a return to MLS competition after a long World Cup run that ended with a heartbreaking extra-time loss to Spain in the final.
Messi only took less than two weeks to get back on the practice field for Inter Miami, but the lingering question is when he will return to games.
Here's what you need to know about Messi's status for Saturday's match against the Columbus Crew.
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Is Lionel Messi playing vs. Columbus Crew?
Messi is back at practice along with Argentine teammate Rodrigo De Paul:
❓Lionel Messi’s status for Saturday is unclear! Guillermo Hoyos said this when asked if #Messi would be available vs Columbus Crew: “He got here a little bit ago so we haven’t had a chance yet to properly talk about it. But we’re happy (he and De Paul) are back.” #InterMiami pic.twitter.com/bxfqNx3ga0
— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) July 31, 2026 The 39-year-old's game status is uncertain, however. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos told reporters Friday that he still has to have a "proper conversation" about a return date.
"We've been talking, in that regard. He only just got back. We haven't really had the chance to have a proper conversation yet," Hoyos said. "We're genuinely happy that they've returned and are back at the club. It's great to see them here."
Messi's return to practice less than two weeks after the end of the World Cup is a major step toward his return, but with Inter Miami playing Saturday against the Columbus Crew, it could be a tight turnaround for the international superstar.
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When will Lionel Messi be back for Inter Miami?
Messi is back with Inter Miami and practicing, but Hoyos indicated Friday that his return to game action is still up in the air.
Messi's first chance to return will come in Columbus on Saturday night, when Inter Miami faces the Crew, and his next opportunity would come in the Leagues Cup four days later.
Inter Miami returned from its World Cup break on on July 22 and went 2-0 while Messi was away from the club.
Here's a look at Inter Miami's upcoming schedule as Messi aims for a return.
Inter Miami schedule
Date Match Time (ET) July 31 at Columbus Crew 7:30 p.m. Aug. 5 vs. Atletico de San Luis (Leagues Cup) 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8 vs. Monterrey (Leagues Cup) 8 p.m. Aug. 12 vs. Leon (Leagues Cup) 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15 vs. Nashville SC 8:30 p.m. Inter Miami heads to the Leagues Cup after facing the Crew, with three matchups on tap between Aug. 5 and Aug. 12. All three matches will come in Inter Miami's home stadium.
The bracket portion of the Leagues Cup could give Inter Miami some additional matches, but the club will return to MLS play against Nashville SC on Saturday, Aug. 15.
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