Is Messi playing today? Start time, TV schedule for Inter Miami vs Philadelphia

Lionel Messi is dealing with personal grief after the death of his father Jorge Messi, aged 68, following a prolonged health battle, causing him to miss Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match against Monterrey on August 8. Inter Miami heads into their match against the Philadelphia Union sitting second in MLS standings, five points behind Nashville, who defeated them 4-1 in Messi's most recent return to the starting lineup. The team is also navigating injury concerns, with five players unavailable for the Philadelphia Union fixture despite Luis Suarez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Casemiro being fit.