MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA – Inter Miami is set to resume Major League Soccer (MLS) action tonight, July 5, 2025, facing CF Montreal at Stade Saputo in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The highly anticipated fixture comes on the heels of a demanding period for the South Florida club, particularly for its talismanic captain, Lionel Messi.
The return to domestic play follows Inter Miami’s recent elimination from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup last weekend. The global tournament saw the MLS side exit after a challenging campaign that placed a significant physical toll on its star players. For Messi, the tournament involved playing four demanding matches in just ten days, notably completing each fixture without substitution.
This intense schedule, coupled with the forward’s age – the Argentine maestro is now 38 years old – has ignited concerns regarding his overall workload. The immediate future presents further challenges, as Inter Miami faces a congested fixture list with six MLS games scheduled for July alone.
Coach Mascherano Confirms Messi’s Travel and Availability
Addressing the speculation surrounding Messi’s participation, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano provided clarity during a pre-match press conference. Mascherano confirmed that Messi will indeed travel with the team for the crucial encounter against CF Montreal.
Furthermore, the coach indicated that the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star is expected to feature in the match lineup. Mascherano stated that Messi would play “unless something strange happens,” a phrase that suggests the player is deemed fit and ready for selection, barring any unforeseen issues closer to kickoff.
Observations from recent training sessions corroborate this expectation. Messi was reportedly observed training with the team in preparation for the game against Montreal. Subsequent reports also confirmed that he was seen traveling towards Montreal with the rest of the squad, underlining his availability for the fixture at Stade Saputo.
Workload Under the Microscope
The demanding schedule culminating in the Club World Cup exit against PSG has thrust the conversation around player management, especially for veteran stars, into the spotlight. Playing four full matches in slightly over a week is physically taxing for any player, but for a 38-year-old, it raises questions about recovery capacity and susceptibility to fatigue or injury.
Inter Miami’s technical staff must now carefully navigate the coming weeks. The six MLS games in July represent a critical stretch for the club’s playoff aspirations. Balancing the need for points with the imperative to keep their marquee player healthy and effective will be a significant challenge for Coach Mascherano and his staff. Messi’s influence on the pitch is undeniable, but pushing him too hard could be detrimental in the long run.
The recent exertions in the FIFA Club World Cup, where Inter Miami competed against top international clubs, provided valuable experience but came at a physical cost. The transition back to MLS play requires different demands, including significant travel across North America.
The Eastern Conference Picture and the Stakes in Montreal
Inter Miami currently sits in a precarious position within the MLS Eastern Conference standings. The team is ranked 7th in the MLS Eastern Conference, holding a record of 8 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses after 16 games played. While this puts them within the playoff qualification zone, their position is not secure.
A key factor is the disparity in games played across the league. While Inter Miami has played 16 fixtures, most conference teams have played approximately 20 games. This means that while Inter Miami has games in hand, they are behind in the points tally compared to rivals who have played more matches. Securing points from these catch-up games, starting with the one against CF Montreal, is paramount to climbing the table and securing a favourable playoff seed.
CF Montreal presents a formidable challenge on their home turf at Stade Saputo. Every point is vital at this stage of the season, and an away victory would provide a significant boost to Inter Miami’s playoff hopes and help close the gap on teams above them.
Tactical Implications and Looking Ahead
Messi’s presence fundamentally alters Inter Miami’s tactical approach and attacking threat. His ability to dictate play, create chances, and score crucial goals is unmatched within the squad. His expected inclusion tonight will likely see Inter Miami adopt their familiar attacking shape, aiming to control possession and unlock Montreal’s defence through Messi’s creativity.
However, the recent workload might influence how long Messi plays or his positioning on the field. Coach Mascherano may opt to manage his minutes, especially if the game situation allows, or perhaps position him strategically to conserve energy while maximizing his impact. The team’s depth players will need to be ready to step up, whether supporting Messi or providing cover if he is rested later in the match.
Looking beyond the Montreal game, Inter Miami faces a relentless July schedule. Navigating these six MLS games will require astute squad rotation and careful management of key players, none more so than Messi. The team’s performance this month will likely determine their trajectory for the remainder of the regular season and their prospects heading into the playoffs.
The match against CF Montreal is more than just another game; it’s a critical test of Inter Miami’s resilience, strategic depth, and their ability to perform under pressure following an intense international tournament. All eyes will be on Stade Saputo tonight, particularly on Lionel Messi, as he steps back onto the MLS stage, expected to lead his team through a vital period of their season.
