Will Messi face the Crew? Latest update after Inter Miami star returns

Lionel Messi returned to practice for Inter Miami on July 30 after competing in the 2026 World Cup, where the 39-year-old scored eight goals in eight games before Argentina lost the final to Spain. It remains uncertain whether Messi will feature in Inter Miami's match against the Columbus Crew on August 1, having already missed two regular-season games against Chicago Fire and Montreal. The fixture falls within the 21-day rest period agreed upon by FIFA and FIFPRO for post-tournament players, further complicating his availability.