Messi's next Miami checkpoint is Thursday morning as ESPN keeps the club No. 1

ESPN has put Inter Miami back at No. 1 in its MLS Power Rankings after Lionel Messi's return, even though the 2-2 draw with Columbus ended Miami's six-game winning streak. The next live question is his workload in the Leagues Cup opener.

ESPN's latest ranking, published late Monday in Asia/Shanghai, moves Inter Miami from second to first. Its reasoning is straightforward: Messi and Rodrigo De Paul have returned from the World Cup, Messi came off the bench against Columbus, and Luis Suárez produced a goal and an assist. The draw stopped Miami's six-game run of wins, but it did not erase the club's strong position in ESPN's assessment. 1

That ranking is an editorial measure, not the league table. The official club recap records Miami's 38 points and a seven-match unbeaten run in the regular season after the Columbus draw. 2

Suárez is still carrying a large share of the attack. Inter Miami's award update names him to the MLS Team of the Matchday for a fourth straight matchday after his goal and assist against Columbus; the club lists 10 goals and six assists in 14 regular-season appearances this year. 3

The Leagues Cup begins on Tuesday, Aug. 4, and Inter Miami's first game is against Atlético de San Luis on Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET. That is Thursday, Aug. 6 at 7:30 a.m. in Asia/Shanghai. 24

The official fixture notice confirms the opponent and kickoff, but does not state a starting role for Messi. His matchday selection—and whether Miami increases his minutes after the 53rd-minute comeback—will be the useful new signal.

Bottom line: Miami's results dipped, but ESPN's view of the team did not. For Messi, Thursday morning's lineup and workload matter more than another forecast about when he might return.