Lionel Messi returns to the Windy City on Sunday afternoon, but how much will he play — if he does suit up?
Messi has been announced as a starter for Inter Miami against the Chicago Fire inside Soldier Field at 4:30 p.m. ET.
Messi is healthy and fit, and made the trip to Chicago with the club Saturday. He has played every minute in Inter Miami’s last three matches — including scoring two goals and an assist to help them beat LAFC in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal last Wednesday. More importantly, Messi has six days until Inter Miami’s next match in Cleveland against the Columbus Crew next Saturday.
So, the Chicago match is a perfect opportunity for Messi to get some work in and maintain his fitness as Inter Miami will play four more matches to end the month of April.
How to watch Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami live stream?
The match is available via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Inter Miami starting lineup: Is Messi playing?
Yes, Messi was announced as a starter in Inter Miami’s starting lineup.
This is how we take on Chicago 👊 pic.twitter.com/vjKONBgnLW
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) April 13, 2025
When was the last time Messi had played in Chicago?
If Messi plays, it will be his first match with Inter Miami in Chicago after missing matches in the last two years due to injury.
Next stop: Chicago 📍🌃 pic.twitter.com/6LTHlgrgJ8
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) April 12, 2025
However, it’ll be his second time in as many years playing in the city: He came off the bench during a pre-Copa America friendly in Argentina’s 1-0 win against Ecuador on June 9, 2024.
Messi was injured toward the end of his first season with Inter Miami,
