Messi’s Spain trip won’t miss Inter Miami’s clash with Red Bull New York
Messi heads to Oviedo for Princess of Asturias Award
Inter Miami’s head coach Kily González has confirmed that Lionel Messi will travel to Spain next week to receive the prestigious Princess of Asturias Award. The ceremony is scheduled for 23 October at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo, where the Argentine star will be honoured alongside his family.
Availability for the upcoming MLS fixture
Despite the off‑field commitment, González made it clear that Messi will be back in time for the club’s next league match against Red Bull New York on 24 October. The coach told reporters that the trip "won't keep him from the game" and that he expects the captain to be on the roster for the encounter at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.
Club backing the award trip
All members of the Inter Miami organization are supportive of Messi’s attendance at the award ceremony. González explained that the honor is significant not only for the player but also for his family, and the club fully endorses his participation.
Implications for the Supporters' Shield race
Inter Miami entered the final stretch of the MLS regular season having already secured a playoff berth and a first Supporters' Shield in 2024. With five games remaining, the team is aiming to repeat that achievement. The schedule includes away fixtures against Atlanta United and Red Bull New York, a home game versus FC Cincinnati, a visit to the New England Revolution, and a concluding home match against Charlotte FC.
The league leaders, Nashville SC, sit 14 points clear of Miami after 29 matches (66 points to Miami's 52). Even a perfect finish for Inter Miami would take them to 67 points, just enough to edge Nashville if the latter dropped two points in their remaining games. Realistically, the gap makes a second Shield a daunting prospect, but the club remains focused on a strong finish.
What the next match means
- Date: 24 October 2026
- Venue: Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, New Jersey
- Opponent: Red Bull New York
- Key player: Lionel Messi, expected to start
González stressed that Messi’s brief absence will not disrupt the team’s tactical plans. "He has the possibility, and I wouldn’t call it an advantage, but I want him to be well, he needs this, he’s going to be there, and I’m going to have him in the game too," the coach said, underscoring his confidence in the captain’s readiness.
Looking ahead
After the New York fixture, Miami will return to home soil to host FC Cincinnati, a match that could provide a vital boost in points. The club will then face the New England Revolution on the road before concluding the season against Charlotte FC at home. While the odds of overtaking Nashville are slim, a flawless run could still see Miami finish as one of the league’s top teams and set the stage for a strong postseason.
For now, fans can anticipate seeing Messi back in the lineup, ready to add his trademark flair to what promises to be a crucial encounter in Miami’s push for a second Supporters' Shield.
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