Lionel Messi and Inter Miami return to MLS action today with a road matchup against the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, 2026, with kickoff at 8:30 p.m. ET.
For many fans, particularly those hoping to see a matchup between Messi and Chicago star Robert Lewandowski, the biggest question is whether the Argentine superstar will be on the field.
So, is Lionel Messi playing today for Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire?
Yes, Lionel Messi is expected to play for Inter Miami against the Chicago Fire tonight. Messi is not listed on the MLS Player Status Report for the match and is projected to start in Inter Miami’s attack. However, his place in the starting XI will not be officially confirmed until the club releases its lineup closer to kickoff.
Is Lionel Messi Playing vs. Chicago Fire Today?
Lionel Messi is expected to be available and play against the Chicago Fire on September 9.
There is currently no indication that Messi will miss the match because of an injury or suspension.
MLS’ official Player Status Report lists several Inter Miami players as unavailable, including Tadeo Allende, Gonzalo Lujรกn, Santiago Morales, Micael, Sergio Reguilรณn and Mateo Silvetti.
Messi is not among the players listed as out or questionable.
That is a strong indication that the Inter Miami captain is available for selection against Chicago.
Will Lionel Messi Start Against Chicago Fire?
Messi is projected to start for Inter Miami against the Chicago Fire.
Projected lineups have Messi leading Miami’s attack alongside Germรกn Berterame and Luis Suรกrez.
An expected Inter Miami lineup could feature:
Goalkeeper: Dayne St. Clair
Defense: Ian Fray, Yannick Bright, Maximiliano Falcรณn, Fricio Caicedo
Midfield: Rodrigo De Paul, Casemiro, Telasco Segovia
Attack: Lionel Messi, Germรกn Berterame, Luis Suรกrez
The official starting lineup is typically announced closer to kickoff, so Messi’s starting status remains subject to confirmation.
Messi vs. Lewandowski in Chicago
Messi’s expected participation sets up one of the most intriguing individual storylines of the MLS match: Lionel Messi vs. Robert Lewandowski.
Lewandowski joined the Chicago Fire during the 2026 season and has quickly become one of the club’s major attacking threats.
The two global stars have previously faced each other in European and international competition.
Their most recent meeting before this MLS matchup came during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, when Messi’s Argentina defeated Lewandowski’s Poland 2-0 in the group stage.
Now the two could share the field again, this time in Major League Soccer.
How Is Lionel Messi Playing in 2026?
Messi enters the Chicago matchup as one of MLS’ most productive players.
The Argentine has recorded 18 goals and 12 assists during the 2026 MLS regular season, giving him 30 goal contributions.
He also enters the match after recording an assist in Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against Atlanta United.
Messi started that game and helped create Inter Miami’s opening goal from a corner.
Did Messi Play in Inter Miami’s Last Game?
Yes. Messi started Inter Miami’s previous MLS match against Atlanta United.
He played the full match and contributed an assist as Miami drew Atlanta 2-2.
Messi’s involvement in that match, combined with his absence from the injury report for Chicago, points toward him being available again tonight.
Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami Match Information
| Match Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami |
| Date | Wednesday, September 9, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| Stadium | Soldier Field |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Competition | MLS regular season |
| Messi Status | Expected to play |
| Streaming | Apple TV |
What Time Does Messi Play Today?
If Messi starts as expected, fans can see him when Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Kickoff times across the United States are:
- Eastern Time: 8:30 p.m.
- Central Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Mountain Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Pacific Time: 5:30 p.m.
The match will take place at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Where to Watch Messi and Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami will be available to watch on Apple TV.
Inter Miami’s official match preview lists Apple TV as the destination for fans looking to watch the MLS regular-season matchup.
Is Messi Injured?
Messi is not currently listed as injured or questionable for Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami.
The official MLS Player Status Report for September 9 does not include Messi among Inter Miami’s unavailable players.
Unless there is an unexpected late change before kickoff, Messi should therefore be available for the match.
When Will Inter Miami Confirm Messi Is Starting?
The final confirmation will come when Inter Miami releases its official starting XI before kickoff.
Until then, Messi should be considered expected to start rather than officially confirmed as a starter.
All current indications point toward the Argentine being available for the match.
Lionel Messi Status vs. Chicago Fire
Lionel Messi is expected to play for Inter Miami against the Chicago Fire tonight, Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
Messi is not listed on the MLS injury report and is projected to start in Inter Miami’s attack.
The match also presents the possibility of another meeting between Messi and Robert Lewandowski, giving the MLS Eastern Conference matchup additional international attention.
Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET at Soldier Field, with the match available to watch on Apple TV.
Messi’s status as a starter will become official once Inter Miami releases its starting lineup closer to kickoff.