Lionel Messi suffered a minor muscle injury in his right leg during the game against Necaxa in the second round of the League Cup. He has been out of action since, but Inter Miami managed to win their subsequent matches. Ahead of their clash with LA Galaxy, Messi’s status remains uncertain—he may start playing, or he may be sidelined.

The Galaxy is having a season worth forgetting. Despite being less than a year removed from winning the MLS Cup, one of the league’s founding members had a horrific start to the season and, despite posting a decent showing in the Leagues Cup, is on its way to a disappointing result.

Messi returned from injury after missing the club’s last two matches, including last week’s regular-season 4–1 loss to Orlando City SC, and picked up a goal and assist after