Hoyos leaves Messi's availability in doubt for Inter Miami's clash with Nashville over personal reasons

It's still unclear whether Lionel Messi will take the field this Saturday. Guillermo Hoyos, Inter Miami's head coach, chose not to confirm anything about the captain's availability for the MLS matchup against Nashville, hinting that the decision runs far deeper than soccer.

The context explains everything. Just days ago, Messi had to travel to Rosario following the death of his father, Jorge. He returned quickly to the United States and even logged minutes in the second half against Leon, in a match that ended in defeat and Inter Miami's elimination from the 2026 Leagues Cup. The fact that he played doesn't mean he's fully okay, and that's exactly what Hoyos wanted to emphasize this Friday.

"With Leo... I think everything has to unfold little by little because there's deep pain involved. This isn't something that happens overnight. So I think silence, calm and peace are the right approach, and he needs to find his own moments," said the Argentine coach, making clear there's no rush to force the Rosario native's return.

We always have to support him within that silence, which for me is an ally that will help him come through this. But he really is a wonderful person with a wonderful family. I want to make that very clear, because people like that aren't common in this world.Guillermo Hoyos

Beyond the uncertainty surrounding Messi, the team has a demanding matchup ahead. Inter Miami travels to face Nashville in a clash that carries weight in the standings, with both teams fighting to crack the top of the MLS table. Hoyos didn't lower expectations despite the recent emotional blow: "It's a hugely important match between two teams fighting for their goals and playing for them. I think it's going to be an important, exciting game, like every one we've played against them. We're expecting a positive result."

The threat is named Espinoza

Among the opposing names, the coach singled out Cristian Espinoza, one of Nashville's key figures and a familiar face in American soccer. "He's a very good player, dangerous in one-on-one situations, with real skill to unbalance defenders. He's been here for a while now and is very well adapted to the game, which makes him a player you have to watch closely, like several of theirs. But we also have significant potential of our own," Hoyos said, showing respect for the opponent while trusting in his own team's strengths.

The match is set for this Saturday, August 15, at 9:30 PM Argentina and Uruguay time, 8:30 PM in Chile and 7:30 PM in Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. The broadcast will be available live on Apple TV. We'll have to wait until the last moment to find out whether Messi is ultimately included in the squad or if the club decides to give him more time to work through his family's grief.