# Lionel Messi involvement with Inter Miami > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lionel-messi-involvement-with-inter-miami > Updated: 2026-09-07T02:34:14.000Z. Sources: 149. Developments: 6. Inter Miami is managing both the long-term future and immediate playing status of Lionel Messi. Regarding his post-career plans, Javier Asensi, the club’s president of business operations, stated that while current MLS rules prohibit Messi from being a co-owner while active, the club is preparing for him to become a shareholder immediately upon retirement. On the field, Messi recently returned to the starting lineup for a match against Nashville SC, marking his first start since the passing of his father, Jorge Messi. The match resulted in a 4-1 defeat for Inter Miami at Geodis Park. While Messi provided an assist for Telasco Segovia’s first-half equalizer, he had a difficult outing, including a yellow card and hitting both posts. Notably, Messi missed a penalty in the 23rd minute, which was saved by goalkeeper Brian Schwake. This miss represents his third consecutive failed penalty attempt dating back to the 2026 World Cup. Following the loss, Nashville SC holds a five-point lead over Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference standings. The defeat was Inter Miami’s third consecutive loss following their elimination from the Leagues Cup. Inter Miami has since regained momentum, highlighted by a 7-1 victory over CF Montreal in which Messi scored four goals. This win ended a multi-game winless streak and moved the club to second in the Eastern Conference with 42 points. In his first appearance since announcing his retirement from the Argentina national team, Messi played in a Matchday 23 fixture against Atlanta United at Nu Stadium on September 5, 2026. The match was delayed by over 90 minutes due to severe thunderstorms and lightning. Messi recorded two assists in that match, including a lofted pass to Luis Suárez, resulting in a 2-2 draw. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-07: Lionel Messi records two assists in Inter Miami's draw with Atlanta United Lionel Messi provided two assists as Inter Miami drew 2-2 with Atlanta United in his first match since retiring from international football. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lionel-messi-records-two-assists-in-inter-miamis-draw-with-atlanta-united ### 2026-09-05: Inter Miami and Atlanta United draw 2-2 in weather-delayed MLS match Lionel Messi provided two assists as Inter Miami drew 2-2 with Atlanta United in an MLS match delayed by severe weather. The result keeps Miami second in the Eastern Conference. 64 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lionel-messi-returns-to-inter-miami-action-against-atlanta-united ### 2026-09-02: Inter Miami CF draws 2-2 against Atlanta United Inter Miami CF drew 2-2 against Atlanta United in an MLS matchup featuring Lionel Messi, who provided two assists despite Miami's defensive absences and a recent 7-1 win over Montreal. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/major-league-soccer-announces-matchday-24-assignments ### 2026-08-17: Nashville SC defeats Inter Miami 4-1 to lead Eastern Conference Nashville SC defeated Inter Miami CF 4-1, extending their lead at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference after a standout performance by Hany Mukhtar and a missed penalty by Lionel Messi. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nashville-sc-defeats-inter-miami-cf-4-1-in-mls-matchup ### 2026-08-13: Nashville SC defeats Inter Miami 4-1 in MLS clash Nashville SC defeated Inter Miami 4-1 in an MLS clash, extending their lead at the top of the Eastern Conference. Lionel Messi missed a penalty and provided one assist in his return to the starting lineup. 67 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lionel-messi-projected-to-start-for-inter-miami-against-nashville-sc ### 2026-08-08: Lionel Messi slated to become Inter Miami shareholder after retirement Inter Miami plans for Lionel Messi to become a club shareholder once he retires, despite current MLS rules barring ownership while he plays. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lionel-messi-slated-to-become-inter-miami-shareholder-after-retirement --- Cite as: Lionel Messi involvement with Inter Miami. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lionel-messi-involvement-with-inter-miami