Is Lionel Messi playing tonight for Inter Miami vs New England Revolution in MLS?

The Herons can break the 73-point MLS record in their final game of the regular season.

Inter Miami are pursuing a new record in the MLS. With just a regular season game to play, they can break the highest points haul in MLS. The record stands at 73 points and was made by the New England Revolution, whom the Herons will play next.

Inter Miami are on 71 points in the Eastern Conference table. With just a win, they can get to 74 points, thus breaking the record of the New England Revolution, against them. The opposition team surely will be motivated enough to not let this happen with ease.

Ready 👊⚔️ pic.twitter.com/L8SQ8pJ2Vh

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 18, 2024

However, Caleb Porter’s team are 40 points below Inter Miami. One can take a blind guess as to how badly they are performing with just this data. New England haven’t even managed to put even the same number of points as the number of games they have played.

The team have played 33 games but have only managed to put 31 points on board.

Will Lionel Messi play against New England?

In short, more than likely. Lionel Messi was on international duty this October break just like many other footballers. Messi had an amazing break as he scored his 10th international hat trick for Argentina against Bolivia. It helped him get level with Cristiano Ronaldo who also happens to have the record of 10 international hattricks.

Nevertheless, Leo also helped his national team with two more assists. The Inter Miami coach will have to take many things into consideration before putting Messi in the starting lineup in their final MLS regular season game. They do have playoffs to deal with next.

The Argentine great is no longer a teenager or in his early 20s that he can play day in and day out. He is 37. With Inter Miami already guaranteed the No. 1 seed in the MLS Cup Playoffs, chances are very less to fatigue out Messi more by starting him.

Although the Herons surely will be eager to break the 73-point record but not at the price of their main man. New England Revolution are already performing poorly. They are on a run of three consecutive defeats, including a 4-0 thrashing last time out against Columbus Crew.

Tata Martino, Inter Miami coach, is likely to give Messi a substitute appearance off the bench. Martino said this recently, “Of course, our main focus is on the other Friday (the playoff game). … We are also analyzing what participation we can give to the players who came from the national team, including Leo. It is more likely that he will start from the bench because obviously he has traveled, he has played.”

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.