Lionel Messi to start as Inter Miami travel to Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park in MLS round 20

Lionel Messi will start for Inter Miami against Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park in round 20 of the 2026 Major League Soccer season on August 19, 2026. The Argentina forward is included in the matchday plans for the Herons.

Led by Guillermo Hoyos, Inter Miami arrive at Subaru Park on the back of poor form, having lost each of their last three matches. The club were eliminated from the Concacaf Leagues Cup after two consecutive defeats and then suffered a 1-4 reversal to Nashville SC, a result that extended the run to three straight losses.

Despite recent results, Inter Miami are unbeaten in their six meetings with Philadelphia Union, a sequence the visitors will seek to maintain away from home. The match preview notes the Herons must be careful not to give possession away to their opponents.

Messi featured in the 1-4 defeat to Nashville and has travelled with the squad, training with the first team ahead of the Philadelphia fixture. The club shared the travelling update on social media: Rumbo a Philadelphia ✈️🌆 pic.twitter.com/BOghBwBgHn

The 39-year-old Argentine has scored 12 goals in 16 Major League Soccer appearances this season but did not find the net in the last match. Alongside Luis Suarez, Messi is listed among Inter Miami’s principal threats in the final third.

Inter Miami sit second in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, five points adrift of Nashville SC at the top of the table. Guillermo Hoyos’ side will need a strong performance to secure a win in this upcoming contest, or defending the Major League Soccer title will be difficult for them.

Yes, Leo Messi has travelled with the squad and will start for the Herons; the game can be streamed live on Apple TV. For further coverage, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, download the Khel Now Android App or iOS App, or join their Telegram community.