Lionel Messi: Inter Miami star back for massive season opener

The defending MLS Cup champions begin their title defense on the road in Los Angeles, but their preparations were clouded by uncertainty over Messi's fitness.

Alarm bells rang when the Argentine star was substituted early in the second half of a preseason friendly against Ecuador's Barcelona SC with what the club later described as a "muscle strain in his left hamstring."

With no official recovery timeline provided, fears grew that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner might miss the crucial first match.

However, those concerns were largely put to rest when Messi was seen participating in a full training session with the squad on Wednesday.

The forward was joined by new signings, including Designated Player Germán Berterame. The two have already shown promising chemistry, with Messi scoring and then assisting Berterame in the friendly against Barcelona SC before his injury.

All current signs point to Messi traveling with the team to Los Angeles. His return to training several days before the match suggests the injury was minor. Barring any setbacks or recurring discomfort, it seems likely the 38-year-old will be involved.

Even if manager Javier Mascherano opts for a cautious approach, Messi could still feature as a substitute. The club's top priority remains his long-term fitness, especially to secure back-to-back MLS Cups and the upcoming World Cup this summer, which is expected to be his last with Argentina.

Inter Miami is expected to manage Messi's minutes carefully, not just for this weekend's game but throughout the season leading up to the sport's biggest international tournament.