Don't be surprised to see Messi start for Inter Miami tonight | OneFootball

Messi didn't return from break early to sit on the bench

If Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul want a few more days to switch gears from Argentina and the World Cup to Inter Miami and Major League Soccer, they'll get them. But neither player is listed as unavailable for tonight's match against Columbus, and I can't imagine they came back to training early to sit on the bench.

Interim coach Guillermo Hoyos was noncommital about the players' availability when asked by reporters if they would play.

“We have not had time to talk about that, but we are very happy that they have returned, and it makes us happy to see them,” Hoyos said.

De Paul and Messi could have taken the full 21 days off FIFA allows for World Cup participants, but the Albiceleste were back in training Wednesday, just 10 days after Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 World Cup.

Messi has said throughout his career that he is happier on the pitch; if his body is able, he wants to play -- and he wants to win. The Herons captain's disappointment -- and frustration -- were on display earlier this season after Nashville SC eliminated defending MLS Cup champion Inter Miami from CONCACAF Champions Cup and struggled to win its first match at Nu Stadium. Failing to lead Argentina to a second World Cup title must only fuel his appetite for lifting trophies; and while they can't compare with the World Cup, four prizes remain within Messi's and Inter Miami's grasp: Leagues Cup, Campeones Cup, Supporters' Shield and the MLS Cup.

The next step on the path to those prizes starts tonight against Columbus. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. CDT at Nu Stadium in Miami. Don't be surprised to see Messi and De Paul in the starting 11.