Tonight marks the much-anticipated comeback of Lionel Messi as Inter Miami goes head-to-head with the Philadelphia Union in an MLS match at Chase Stadium. After more than three months away, following a serious ankle injury during the Copa America final, Messi is set to return.

His presence is crucial for Inter Miami, who aim not just to enhance their playoff positioning but also to contend for the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the top team in the regular season. Currently, Miami holds a strong lead in the standings with seven games left this season.

On the flip side, the Union is vying for playoff qualification, sitting just two points shy of a playoff spot, but they do have a few games in hand against teams around them.

Stay tuned for live updates, scores, and highlights from the Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union match, as provided by The Sporting News.

Live Score: Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union

Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT
Venue: Chase Stadium (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
Referee: Sergii Boiko

Starting Lineups:

Inter Miami (3-4-3, left to right): 1. Callender (GK) — 6. Aviles, 5. Busquets, 14. H. Martinez — 57. Weigandt, 55. Redondo, 20. D. Gomez, 15. Alba — 10. Messi, 9. Suarez, 24. Gressel.

Philadelphia Union (4-4-2 diamond, left to right): 76. Rick (GK) — 26. Harriel, 5. Glesnes, 3. Elliott, 27. Wagner — 31. Flach — 33. Q. Sullivan, 16. McGlynn — 10. Gazdag — 28. Baribo, 7. Uhre.

Match Highlights and Updates from Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union

30 minutes to kickoff: We have a fantastic kit matchup tonight.

Tonight’s primary threads #DOOP | @MalamutLaw pic.twitter.com/CAxpBv6f5I

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) September 14, 2024

45 minutes to kickoff: Lionel Messi is officially starting for Inter Miami! Sergio Busquets will hold the defensive line while Diego Gomez joins him in midfield. Benjamin Cremaschi will remain on the bench.

For Philadelphia, Nathan Harriel steps in at right-back, and 18-year-old Andrew Rick will start in goal as Andre Blake is on international duty. Alejandro Bedoya is replaced by Quinn Sullivan, with Cavan Sullivan, a young prospect, on the bench.

1 hour to kickoff: Messi has arrived! Lineups are about to be revealed…

Messi and Suarez enter Chase Stadium for the match against the Union.#InterMiamiCF pic.twitter.com/4kjGv0tA0L

— Alex Windley (@aaw_1998) September 14, 2024

1 hour 15 minutes to kickoff: The Inter Miami locker room is ready for action! They’ve even used Messi’s jersey to promote the match, confirming his participation in the starting lineup.

The stage is perfectly set #MIAvPHI | 7:30 PM ET | #MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV: pic.twitter.com/16Mb7qpq9i

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) September 14, 2024

1 hour 30 minutes to kickoff: Hopefully, the weather won’t impact tonight’s game. Florida’s unpredictable storms can come and go quickly…

Back at Chase Stadium for the much-anticipated face-off between Inter Miami and the Union. Messi’s return is eagerly awaited as Miami continues their strong form.

However, thunderstorms might be on the way….#InterMiamiCF pic.twitter.com/eATb8ELsVs

— Alex Windley (@aaw_1998) September 14, 2024

1 hour 45 minutes to kickoff: A thrilling aspect of this match is the potential for Messi, likely returning from the bench, to share the field with 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan. This promising young talent has a future with Manchester City but will play with the Union until he can officially transition to the Premier League.

“Messi is the most outstanding player in our sport,” said Union head coach Jim Curtin prior to the match. “Cavan Sullivan shows immense promise and has plenty to develop, but he’s already demonstrated flashes of brilliance with our team.”

The possibility of both players sharing time on the pitch is intriguing.

2 hours to kickoff: Inter Miami’s coach Tata is preparing…

Messi Set to Return for Inter Miami Match

Coach Martino announced that Lionel Messi will be returning to play tonight, though it remains uncertain if he will start the match. After missing training due to illness, Messi was back with the team on Thursday.

According to Martino, Messi is “part of the plans for the game,” but he limited his commitment to just that statement. “We will determine his role after training,” he added.

Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino says that Lionel Messi is no longer on a minutes restriction and could make his return to the pitch against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.

Messi hasn’t played for Inter Miami in over 3 months. pic.twitter.com/2yLjNvG8Xt

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 13, 2024

Kickoff Details for Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union

This regular MLS season match is scheduled to start at Chase Stadium on Saturday, September 14 at 7:30 p.m. local time in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Here are the kickoff times for other locations:

Team Updates for Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union

Lionel Messi is confirmed fit to play and will be included in the starting lineup for Inter Miami.

However, Inter Miami is still dealing with injuries to key players, including Nicolas Freire, Leo Afonso, and Facundo Farias. Additionally, Matias Rojas is recovering from an ankle injury and will be unavailable for a few more weeks. Tomas Aviles returns after serving a suspension.

Inter Miami Starting XI (3-4-3): Callender (GK) — Aviles, Busquets, H. Martinez — Weigandt, Redondo, D. Gomez, Alba — Messi, Suarez, Gressel.

Inter Miami Substitutes (9): Ustari (GK), Fray, Allen, Negri, Cremaschi, D. Ruiz, Bright, Taylor, Campana.

The Philadelphia Union faced a tough international break, losing key players like Daniel Gazdag, who had to exit international duty due to injury but will be able to play in this match. On the other hand, star goalkeeper Andre Blake suffered a groin injury while representing Jamaica and is sidelined for this game.

Striker Tai Baribo overcame a hamstring issue and is fit, while Jean Jacques is likely out due to an ankle injury sustained while playing for Haiti.

Philadelphia Union Starting XI (4-4-2 Diamond): Rick (GK) — Harriel, Glesnes, Elliott, Wagner — Bueno — Sullivan, McGlynn — Gazdag — Baribo, Uhre.

Philadelphia Union Substitutes (9): Semmle (GK), Mbaizo, Danley, Bueno, Bedoya, Rafanello, C. Sullivan, Donovan, Adeniran.

Where to Watch Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union

• Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT
• TV Channel: None
• Streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

The match will be available exclusively through MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

As the season progresses, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV is currently offering its lowest price. Fans can subscribe for just $9.99 for the remainder of the 2024 season, including the playoffs. Existing Apple TV+ subscribers can get access to the rest of the season for free.