Updated March 21, 2026, 3:09 p.m. ET
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – After a untimely exit within the Concacaf Champions Cup, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami return their focus to MLS play with a matchup towards New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, March 22.
Messi is wholesome and anticipated to play earlier than he joins the Argentine nationwide group for 2 friendlies in Argentina later this month.
Messi scored his 900th goal towards Nashville in the second leg of the Champions Cup last Wednesday, however the membership was eradicated within the Round of 16 of the match due to the away objectives tiebreaker rule in a 1-1 draw.
“We can’t change what happened, and there’s no point in dwelling on it. Clearly, we’re still in the process of coming to terms with it and dealing with the disappointment of being eliminated,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano stated earlier than a coaching session on Saturday, March 21.
“That’s soccer — it happens sometimes — but I think it’s up to us to prove that what happened the other day was just a fluke. And well, the best way to prove it is to focus on the league now.”
Overall, Inter Miami may use some assist in the scoring division.
Messi has scored 4 of Inter Miami’s seven objectives of their 2W-3D-1L begin throughout all competitions. Only Mateo Silvetti, Telasco Segovia and Rodrigo De Paul – Messi’s World Cup profitable teammate, who was not current at Saturday’s apply – have discovered the again of the web this season.
Striker Germán Berterame has been scoreless since becoming a member of the membership in a $15 million switch from LIGA MX facet CF Monterrey. Tadeo Allende, who set the MLS file with 9 objectives in the course of the title run final season, has but to rating. Uruguayan star Luis Suárez has additionally been scoreless in restricted motion.
“Beyond having Leo — who always delivers an incredible number of goals, whether by scoring them himself or providing assists — we need the rest of the team to start scoring and contributing to those numbers as well,” Mascherano stated. “This is a time when we have to work much harder on that aspect, and we’re doing just that.”
Inter Miami and NYCFC final met within the MLS Eastern Conference ultimate, profitable 5-1 on Nov. 29, 2025.
De Paul (muscle contusion), Inter Miami defenders Maxi Falcon (knee) and Sergio Reguilón (knee) gained’t play towards NYCFC due to accidents.
How to watch NYCFC vs. Inter Miami match?
The match begins Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, and will probably be accessible on Apple TV.
Messi’s upcoming schedule with Inter Miami, Argentina
- March 22: New York City FC vs. Inter Miami, 1 p.m. ET
- March 27: Argentina vs. Mauritania, 6:15 p.m. ET
- March 31: Argentina vs. Zambia, 6:15 p.m. ET
- April 4: Inter Miami vs. Austin FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
