Lionel Messi was not in Inter Miami’s starting lineup on Saturday, but was in uniform as he arrived with the team and expected to start the game on the bench.

Lionel Messi made an immediate impact for Inter Miami against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night, with what became the winning goal in a 2-1 victory that lifted the Herons into first place in Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference.

After Lionel Messi missed the recent CONMEBOL double-header, fans are now left wondering if he will feature in Inter Miami’s clash with the Philadelphia Union. While his status remains uncertain, head coach Javier Mascherano has already hinted at the possibility of Messi returning to the lineup.