Inter Miami schedule: Lionel Messi injury news, when is Messi's next MLS game?

All eyes are on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami as the global superstar competes in his first full season in MLS in 2024.

If you thought Messi-mania hit hard in late 2023 after he arrived in Miami, wait until this year (health-pending, and more on that in a moment).

[ MORE: Messi, Suarez overwhelm Orlando | Messi rescues point at Galaxy ]

Messi delivered five goals and two assists in five matches between Major League Soccer and the CONCACAF Champions Cup to start this season, but has been absent due to what was first described as rest and was then an unspecified muscular ailment.

Inter Miami coach Tata Martino was asked whether Messi would be available for an April 3 visit from Monterrey in the CCC.

“He’s recovering,” Martino said. “He’s been out on the pitch for a few days. He’s improving day by day, so we’re keeping an eye on his progress. It’s still too early, we have to wait at least next week.”

Messi was in training ahead of the CCC game against Monterrey so it seems like his time off has done the trick and he’s back in contention.

What is expected from Messi, Inter Miami in 2024?

With cities across the USA and Canada eagerly awaiting Messi to turn up and showcase his skills, there is huge excitement around this MLS season. Add in that Suarez has joined Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets at Inter Miami and the Barcelona reunion vibes are strong under their former Barca coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino.

The pressure is on Tata and Messi to deliver MLS Cup this year with the former winning it with Atalanta United in the past, while Messi led Inter Miami to Leagues Cup glory just a few months after he arrived last summer and they also reached the U.S. Open Cup final but fell short to the Houston Dynamo.

Everyone expects Inter Miami to win it all in 2024 as Messi will be wrapped in cotton wool and it will be intriguing to see how he adapts to the unique travel and climate conditions in the North American soccer realm.

Below is everything you need for this season, including the Inter Miami 2024 schedule in full.

When did the 2024 MLS season start?

The 2024 MLS season kicked off on February 21 and the opening game was in, you guessed it, Miami.

What was Inter Miami’s first game of the 2024 MLS season?

Their first game was at home against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, Feb. 21, as Inter Miami won 2-0 and Messi picked up an assist. Inter Miami are the favorites to win everything in MLS and everyone is eager to see how Tata lines up his star-studded side.

Who are Inter Miami’s biggest contenders for MLS glory?

The likes of FC Cincinnati, reigning MLS Cup champs Columbus Crew and the Philadelphia Union are all expected to make another deep run in the playoffs. Look out for LAFC, Seattle Sounders, St, Louis City and Miami’s in-state rivals Orlando City too.

Inter Miami 2024 Schedule

All kick off times listed as ET

Wednesday, February 21: 2-0 win vs Real Salt Lake - 1 assist for MessiSunday, February 25: 1-1 draw at LA Galaxy - 1 goal for MessiSaturday, March 2: 5-0 win vs Orlando City - 2 goals for Messi, 2 g + 2 a for SuarezSunday, March 10: 2-3 defeat vs CF Montreal - Messi did not playSaturday, March 16: 3-1 win at DC United - Messi did not playSaturday, March 23: 4-0 defeat at New York Red Bulls - Messi did not playSaturday, March 30: 1-1 draw vs New York City FC - 7:30pm - Messi did not play

Saturday, April 6 vs Colorado Rapids - 7:30pmSaturday, April 13 at Sporting Kansas City - 8:30pmSaturday, April 20 vs Nashville SC - 7:30pmSaturday, April 27 at New England Revolution - 7:30pm

Saturday, May 4 vs New York Red Bulls - 7:30pmSaturday, May 11 at CF Montreal - 7:30pmWednesday, May 15 at Orlando City - 7:30pmSaturday, May 18 vs DC United - 7:30pmSaturday, May 25 at Vancouver Whitecaps - 10:30pmWednesday, May 29 vs Atlanta United - 7:30pm

Saturday, June 1 vs St. Louis City SC - 7:30pmSaturday, June 15 at Philadelphia Union - 7:30pmWednesday, June 19 vs Columbus Crew - 7:30pmSaturday, June 29 at Nashville SC - 8:30pm

Wednesday, July 3 at Charlotte FC - 7:30pmSaturday, July 6 at FC Cincinnati - 7:30pmWednesday, July 17 vs Toronto FC - 7:30pmSaturday, July 20 vs Chicago Fire - 7:30pm

Saturday, August 24 vs FC Cincinnati - 7:30pmSaturday, August 31 at Chicago Fire - 8:30pm

Saturday, September 14 vs Philadelphia Union - 7:30pmWednesday, September 18 at Atlanta United - 7:30pmSaturday, September 21 at New York City FC - 2pm Saturday, September 28 vs Charlotte FC - 7:30pm

Wednesday, October 2 at Columbus Crew - 7:30pmSaturday, October 5 at Toronto FC - 7:30pmSaturday, October 19 vs New England Revolution - 6pm