Inter Miami are at a pivotal moment in their MLS season, and the return of Lionel Messi to first-team training this week is the clearest signal yet that the club's playoff push is fully underway. The Argentine icon bid an emotional farewell to international football at the Estadio Monumental on October 7, retiring from the Albiceleste after 21 years and a 3-0 win over Benin. With that chapter closed, his focus now shifts entirely to South Florida, where Inter Miami need him most.

The competitive picture is tight. Sitting third in the Eastern Conference with 46 points from 27 games, Inter Miami are level on points with second-placed New England Revolution and just one ahead of Chicago Fire in fourth. A single slip could cost them a top-two finish and home advantage in the postseason. That pressure makes Messi's availability all the more significant, especially after the club suffered a 2-1 defeat to Columbus Crew on September 27, a result that dented momentum at a critical stage of the regular season.

Off the pitch, speculation continues to swirl. Rumours of a potential reunion with Neymar at Inter Miami have drawn scepticism, with former MLS star Shaka Hislop publicly questioning the value such a move would bring to the league. Meanwhile, Messi's acquisition of Spanish second-division side Eldense signals growing ambitions beyond the playing field. For now, though, the priority is clear: a home match against DC United on October 10 offers the chance to respond, rebuild momentum, and keep the playoff charge on track.