FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have five matches remaining to make a push for the MLS postseason.
But all eyes remain on Messi’s availability and whether the World Cup champion and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will return to action.
Messi will not play in tonight’s match against New York City FC at DRV PNK Stadium.
Messi was not on Inter Miami’s team bus when it arrived to the stadium, nor listed on the club’s roster for the match.
So, Messi will miss his third straight game.
Messi is considered day to day with fatigue and a lingering injury that has been undisclosed for much of the month of September, causing him to miss four of his last five matches.
8:10 p.m. ET: Inter Miami rain delay update
Inter Miami and NYCFC players came back onto the pitch at 8:10 p.m., despite a steady rain still falling, to warm up after their weather delay.
Play could begin at 8:32 p.m., Inter Miami announced on social media.
Fans have also begun to re-enter the stands again.
Inter Miami-NYCFC under rain delay
While players from both sides were on the pitch for pregame warmups, a weather delay was instituted that has interrupted the start of tonight’s match.
Thunder and lightning, which wasn’t present during warmups, appeared shortly before the 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
With news of Leo Messi out, the rain is just more bad news for Inter Miami on Saturday night.
How to watch Messi’s match today vs. New York City FC?
The Inter Miami-New York City FC match at 7:30 p.m. ET…
