It’s been a tough month for Lionel Messi. Roughly three weeks after coming up flat in the World Cup final, the Inter Miami star lost his father, Jorge Messi, who died in Argentina after a prolonged health battle.
The elder Messi was 68 when he passed, a major part of his son’s life, including serving as his agent since helping to get him to FC Barcelona when Lionel was 13. Messi missed his club’s Leagues Cup match against Monterrey on Aug. 8, the night of Jorge’s death.
Inter Miami needs its star in top form as it deals with injuries elsewhere. Luis Suarez, Messi’s countryman Rodrigo De Paul and new addition Casemiro are healthy, but Miami is without five players heading into tonight’s match against the Philadelphia Union. Miami sits second in the MLS standings, five points behind Nashville, who thumped them 4-1 in Messi’s return to the starting lineup Saturday.
Watch Inter Miami games live on Apple TV
Messi posted an emotional letter to his father upon his return to Inter Miami, and coach Guillermo Hoyos said Aug. 18 he was “at peace” again at practice. Here’s what to know about today’s match, including the latest odds, predictions and how to watch on TV and streaming:
Is Messi playing today?
He is expected to play as usual. Lionel Messi returned to the club Aug. 12, four days after the death of his father, Jorge Messi. The star player was subbed in early in the second half of Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match that night, and he played all 90 minutes at Nashville on Aug. 15.
What TV channel is Inter Miami vs Philadelphia on today?
The match between Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union will be broadcast exclusively on Apple TV, which offers a seven-day free trial.
What time does Inter Miami play today vs Philadelphia?
Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19.
Inter Miami vs Philadelphia odds
Odds according to BetMGM:
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Is Messi playing today? Start time, TV schedule for Inter Miami vs Philadelphia
Reporting by Dan Rorabaugh, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
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By Dan Rorabaugh, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
