Messi Set to Rejoin Inter Miami vs. Red Bulls After Spain Award

Lionel Messi will rejoin Inter Miami for Saturday's match against the New York Red Bulls after receiving the Princess of Asturias award for sport in Oviedo, Spain. Head coach Cristian "Kily" Gonzalez confirmed the plan, according to ESPN, and praised the player's commitment to take the field. Inter Miami CF enters the game second in the standings with 55 points, while Red Bull New York sits ninth with 36 points. The match gives Messi the chance to return to the lineup after the trip.

Will Messi play for Inter Miami against the Red Bulls?

Yes, according to ESPN. Inter Miami head coach Cristian "Kily" Gonzalez confirmed that Lionel Messi will rejoin the team for the match against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday. The confirmation came after Messi received the Princess of Asturias award for sport in Oviedo, Spain, and ESPN headlined the coach's praise for the player's commitment to play.

Yardbarker also reported that Messi is expected to play against the Red Bulls and that his return to Inter Miami followed the visit to Spain.

Where do Inter Miami and the Red Bulls stand in the table?

Inter Miami CF is second in the MLS table with 55 points from 30 games played. Inter Miami CF has 15 wins, 10 draws and 5 losses, with a goal difference of +22. Yardbarker also noted that Inter Miami sits second in the Eastern Conference.

Red Bull New York is ninth with 36 points, with 10 wins, 6 draws and 14 losses and a goal difference of -17 after 30 games. Those are the numbers the two sides bring into Saturday's meeting.

How does New England compare with Inter Miami in the standings?

New England Revolution is third with 52 points, with 16 wins, 4 draws and 10 losses and a goal difference of +8 after 30 games. New England Revolution sits just below Inter Miami CF, which has 55 points.

New York City FC is 12th with 34 points, with 8 wins, 10 draws and 12 losses and a goal difference of +2 after 30 games. Red Bull New York has 36 points, which keeps the New York clubs near each other in the table.

What did Yardbarker report about Messi's schedule and the Ballon d'Or?

Yardbarker reported that Coach Gonzalez says Messi wants to play matches of his own choosing, and that Messi's attendance at the Clasico is unlikely because of a schedule conflict. Another Yardbarker note said his US commitments make a swift return likely, and that he is expected to play against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday.

On the award side, Yardbarker noted that the Ballon d'Or ceremony is on October 26. Messi is nominated for the 17th time in his career, and Yardbarker added that he holds the record with 8 Ballon d'Or wins. Whether he will attend the ceremony remains unclear. Inter Miami, meanwhile, sits second in the Eastern Conference on 55 points, ahead of the Red Bulls, who have 36.