FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Lionel Messi has appeared strong and in prime form during Inter Miami’s first two preseason games of the year.
With another match set Sunday in Panama, there won’t be any rest on the horizon for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and Argentine World Cup champion.
Messi is expected to play Sunday as Inter Miami faces Sporting San Miguelito at Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez in Panama City, Panama at 5 p.m. ET.
‘Leo is doing very well, according to what we had been planning,’ Inter Miami coach and Messi’s former teammate Javier Mascherano said before Friday’s training session. ‘The idea is to give everyone as many minutes as possible.’
How to watch Messi, Inter Miami vs. Sporting San Miguelito in Panama?
Live stream in U.S. and Canada on InterMiamiCF.com.
Inter Miami’s YouTube channel will provide a free live stream
Panamá Local Broadcast: SerTV, TV MAX, RPC
Rest of World: OneFootball App
How has Messi, Inter Miami performed during preseason?
Inter Miami won both preseason games in a penalty shootout.
Mascherano is pleased with Messi’s ramp up during the preseason, and the club’s performance after facing such stiff competition in his first two matches at the helm of the MLS club.
“We have played against two champions – against a three-time champion (in Club América) and against a two-time champion (Universitario) of leagues that are important,” Mascherano said. “That for us has been a very, very good test.”
What is the rest of Inter Miami’s preseason schedule?
Inter Miami will play its fourth preseason game against Club Olimpia Deportivo in San Pedro Sula, Honduras on Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. ET.
Inter Miami’s final preseason game will be on Feb. 14 against MLS rival Orlando City at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
When does Inter Miami begin the 2025 MLS season?
Messi and Inter Miami will play the first game of the 2025 MLS season, hosting New York City FC on Feb. 22 at 2:30 p.m. ET.
However, the club will be in action on the road against Sporting Kansas City in the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup on Feb. 18. They’ll play the second leg of their series at Inter Miami on Feb. 25.