Messi returns to Miami squad, but starts Columbus match on the bench

Lionel Messi is back in Inter Miami's matchday squad for the first time since Argentina's World Cup final, but ESPN reports that he will begin against Columbus Crew on the substitutes' bench. The report was published at 7:02 a.m. on Aug. 2, Asia/Shanghai time. 1

That is a real change from a training return, but it is not yet a confirmed competitive appearance. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said Messi had only just returned and that they had not yet had a proper conversation about his return to action. 1

Inter Miami's official preview scheduled the MLS meeting with Columbus for 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 2, Asia/Shanghai time, at Nu Stadium. 2

Because that kickoff had only just passed at this edition's 8:00 a.m. update, this is a watch brief rather than a post-match recap. The useful signal is whether Messi enters, and if he does, how many minutes Inter Miami gives him. No final score or substitution event is reported here.

If Messi does not play, or only gets a short cameo, Inter Miami's next listed match is the Leagues Cup opener against Atlético de San Luis. The club's schedule gives the fixture as 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 6, Asia/Shanghai time, at Nu Stadium. That is the next scheduled opportunity, not a promise that Messi will be selected. 3

Bottom line: Messi has moved from training back into the matchday squad, but his actual return still depends on whether he leaves the bench against Columbus.