FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Lionel Messi has showcased impressive skills and fitness in the first two preseason matches for Inter Miami this year.

With another game scheduled for Sunday in Panama, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and Argentine World Cup champion has no time to rest.

Messi is anticipated to participate in the match against Sporting San Miguelito at Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez in Panama City, which kicks off at 5 p.m. ET.

“Leo is performing exceptionally well, in line with our expectations,” stated Inter Miami coach and Messi’s former teammate, Javier Mascherano, before Friday’s practice. “The goal is to give everyone ample playing time.”

How to Watch Messi and Inter Miami Take on Sporting San Miguelito in Panama?

• Live streaming available in the U.S. and Canada on InterMiamiCF.com.
• Watch free live streaming on Inter Miami’s YouTube channel.
• Local Broadcast in Panama: SerTV, TV MAX, RPC.
• For the rest of the world: OneFootball App.

How Have Messi and Inter Miami Performed This Preseason?

Messi scored with a header while playing approximately 60 minutes during Inter Miami’s first preseason match against the current Mexican league champions, Club América, on January 18 in Las Vegas.

He played around 70 minutes in a match against Universitario, the back-to-back Peruvian champions, on Wednesday night in Lima, but did not score.

Inter Miami triumphed in both of their preseason games via penalty shootouts.

Mascherano expressed satisfaction with Messi’s progress during the preseason and the team’s performance against tough opponents in those initial matches.

“We have faced two champions – a three-time champion (Club América) and a two-time champion (Universitario) from major leagues,” Mascherano said. “These games have proven to be excellent tests for us.”

What Is Remaining of Inter Miami’s Preseason Schedule?

Inter Miami’s upcoming fourth preseason game is against Club Olimpia Deportivo in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, set for February 8 at 8 p.m. ET.

The final preseason fixture will be played on February 14 against MLS rival Orlando City at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

When Does Inter Miami Kick Off the 2025 MLS Season?

Messi and Inter Miami will start their 2025 MLS season by hosting New York City FC on February 22 at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Before that, the team will play on the road against Sporting Kansas City in the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup on February 18, with the second leg of the series taking place at Inter Miami on February 25.