Lionel Messi is set to return for Inter Miami just in time to face the struggling LA Galaxy, as the defending MLS Cup champions look to finally earn a road victory of the year this Saturday, Aug. 16.
Messi, who missed the last two matches with a hamstring injury, has been cleared to play after training all week, according to Miami coach Javier Mascherano. The Argentine superstar’s return couldn’t come at a better time for Miami, who are looking to rebound from a 4-1 thrashing by Orlando City and solidify their playoff position in the Eastern Conference.
For the Galaxy, the matchup presents yet another daunting challenge in what has been a disastrous campaign.
“They just have a lot of quality,” Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney said. “ They’re not necessarily similar to a lot of MLS teams.”
Sitting dead last in MLS with just three wins in 25 games, Greg Vanney’s side is also winless in their last 15 away matches—a streak they’ll need to snap against a Miami team led by Messi, the league’s current leader in the Golden Boot race(18 goals, 9 assists).
The Galaxy’s league-worst defense (52 goals conceded) will have its hands full beyond Miami’s No. 10, who has tormented opponents all season. Miami’s attack was further bolstered by the recent addition of midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who will be eager to exploit LA’s shaky backline that struggled during their last outing, a 4-0 loss to Seattle Sounders.
Jordan Teller - The Sporting Tribune
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec (11) reaches for the ball during an MLS match against the Seattle Sounders, Sunday August 10, 2025 in Carson, Calif.
Despite their dismal MLS form, the Galaxy showed signs of life in the Leagues Cup, scoring 10 goals in three group-stage matches. LA’s performance placed them among the top four MLS squads during Phase One of the tournament, along with Inter Miami, who claimed a spot in the quarterfinals.
Vanney pointed to that run as evidence his team can still compete—but noted the challenge of matching the intensity from Leagues Cup during MLS play.
“We were not as intense or proactive about our actions the other night. When I watched [Miami] against Orlando I saw something a little bit similar with them, a little bit of fatigue, maybe a lack of intensity,” Vanney said. “They’re vulnerable in some defensive situations but they’re also very good and can hurt you [going] the other direction.”
While Miami welcomes back its talisman, the Galaxy remain without star midfielder Riqui Puig, whose creativity has been sorely missed all season.
Veterans Marco Reus, Edwin Cerrillo, and Diego Fagundez will need to keep pace, but containing Messi & Co. will be the biggest challenge.
For the Galaxy, Saturday will be about proving they haven’t completely lost their identity as a club before their quarterfinal matchup against Pachuca next Wednesday.
"We are one game at a time," Vanney said. "The week is busy and consequential, in the middle of the week as well. We've got to work through as many of these variables as we can, in the best way we can."