Lionel Messi injury update ahead of Inter Miami vs Nashville clash in MLS Playoffs

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :October 23, 2025 at 6:05 PM

Modified at :October 23, 2025 at 6:05 PM

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

Lionel Messi was absent from training ahead of the game.

Inter Miami will face Nashville SC in the opening game of the Eastern Conference playoffs, just a week after concluding their 2025 Major League Soccer regular season. In that regard, everyone’s attention is focused on Lionel Messi’s physical state.

Given the short recovery period before the next game, supporters were concerned when the Argentine forward missed Tuesday’s training session. Later, on his X account, reporter Jose Armando revealed that Leo’s absence was caused by mild back pain that needed particular care.

Lionel Messi’s return to the training field on Wednesday, working with the rest of the team, dispelled any questions regarding his availability for the match against Nashville, South Carolina, just one day later.

Messi trains ahead of MLS Playoffs

Lionel Messi Getty — ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 19: Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF celebrates scoring their second goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group A match between Internacional CF Miami and FC Porto at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 19, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Inter Miami went so far as to showcase his comeback on social media with two images of Messi working out in full club uniform, both with the ball at his feet, and the succinct but upbeat statement, “Back and ready.”

Back and ready. Full steam ahead 🚂 pic.twitter.com/DmBFyKoAhD
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 22, 2025

Keeping doubts about his health on the side, Lionel Messi was presented with another award by MLS this week. In just three games during the latter stretch of the regular season, the 38-year-old forward recorded five goals and five assists, earning him the title of October’s Player of the Month.

Messi has already received the honour in July and May of 2025, making this his third time winning it. The Argentine forward also finished as the league’s top scorer with 29 goals and tied with Anders Dreyer of San Diego FC for the most assists with 19.

Lionel Messi still has a chance to win two more individual awards in the future. His July goal against CF Montreal was chosen as one of the 16 Goal of the Year contenders. Naturally, he is still a strong candidate for MLS MVP, the league’s top individual honour.

Is Messi injured?

He is not injured. He had a mild back pain, but has returned to training.

Will he play against Nashville?

Yes, more than likely. The player has trained ahead of the game.

When will Inter Miami face Nashville?

They will face them tomorrow.

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Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.