Lionel Messi is set to make his much-anticipated return to Soldier Field with Inter Miami this Sunday. Fans are abuzz with excitement, eagerly asking: Will Messi play? With ticket sales soaring and expectations high, both Chicago Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter and Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano have weighed in, offering insights but no definitive answers.
Frustration has marked the last two attempts to see Messi in Chicago. In 2022, a record 61,000 fans filled Soldier Field only to learn Messi wouldn’t play due to injury. A similar heartbreak occurred in 2023, when over 55,000 tickets were sold but the Argentine star did not travel, leading to compensation offers for disappointed fans.
This time, however, fans are hopeful for a different outcome. Messi has been in dazzling form recently, and Miami is riding high after a thrilling comeback in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-finals against LAFC, where Messi scored twice to help secure a 3-2 aggregate win, propelling them into the semifinals against Vancouver.
Gregg Berhalter’s Expectations
Former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter, now in his first season with the Chicago Fire, expressed confidence that Messi will take the field at Soldier Field. “I expect Messi to be fully playing,” Berhalter told reporters. “He’s a competitor who thrives in iconic venues like Soldier Field. Players of his caliber want to be in the game.”
Berhalter emphasized a proactive approach rather than fixating solely on stopping Messi or Luis Suarez. “They’re too good,” he noted. “We need to limit the damage while finding ways to exploit their vulnerabilities. Even if we perform at our best defensively, one misstep can lead to consequences.”
Javier Mascherano’s Insights
Javier Mascherano has been careful about disclosing his lineup strategy but hinted that the “Big Four”—Messi, Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets—are likely to feature if they are fully fit. “If they are feeling fine, they will play,” the Inter Miami manager stated. “By feeling fine, I mean being 100 percent physically and mentally. If any of them are not, they will rest, but our goal is to field our strongest lineup.”
Mascherano reflected on the recent strategy against Toronto, where all four veterans played despite fixture congestion. “Yes, sometimes managing minutes is crucial, but achieving good results is equally important,” he added. “These four players provide vital leadership on match days. We aim to manage their workload while utilizing their experience as much as possible.”
