All eyes are locked on Lionel Messi<\/a> as Inter Miami gears up for a high-stakes MLS heavyweight clash against the Columbus Crew. <\/strong>With the squad fighting for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, the Argentine icon\u2019s potential return to the pitch has completely taken over the pre-match hype. Dive in to see if the legendary playmaker is finally ready to lace up his boots for one of the biggest showdowns of the weekend.<\/p>\n Inter Miami<\/a> enters the contest in excellent form after winning six consecutive league matches<\/strong>, while Columbus Crew arrives hoping to pull off an upset and revive its playoff ambitions. The encounter also comes just days before the Leagues Cup begins, making every selection decision even more significant for both clubs.<\/p>\n The Herons have shown impressive resilience despite missing their biggest star since the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. The club currently sits second in the Eastern Conference with 37 points<\/strong>, just two behind conference leader Nashville, after collecting victories over opponents including CF Montr\u00e9al.<\/p>\n Luis Suarez has led the attack during Messi\u2019s absence, scoring six goals across the club\u2019s last three MLS matches<\/strong>, including the winner against Montreal. New signing Casemiro also made his debut in that victory and is expected to play his first home match against Columbus Crew<\/a>. The winning streak has given head coach Guillermo Hoyos<\/strong> the luxury of managing Messi\u2019s return carefully rather than rushing him back into action.<\/p>\n