Michelle Kaufman

Inter Miami kicks off the MLS playoffs against Nashville Friday night in first game of best-of-three series.

Inter Miami can clinch the No. 2 playoff seed with a win on the road against Nashville SC in the regular-season finale on Saturday.

Messi rejoined Argentin’sa national team after being given permission to skip the friendly against Venezuela so he could play for Inter Miami against Atlanta United.

Messi skipped Argentina’s friendly against Venezuela on Friday night, saving himself for Inter Miami’s regular-season home finale against Atlanta United.

Lionel Messi, who was not on the Argentina roster for the Friday night friendly against Venezuela, is expected to play for Inter Miami Saturday.

Argentina’s friendly vs. Puerto Rico moved from Chicago to Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale amid immigration protests.

Lionel Messi may miss the Argentina vs. Venezuela friendly in Miami on Friday and play Saturday with Inter Miami against Atlanta United.

The friendly match between Argentina and Puerto Rico, scheduled for Monday in Chicago, might be moved to Chase Stadium due to immigration protests in Chicago.

Argentina plays Venezuela in a friendly Oct. 10 at Hard Rock Stadium, Inter Miami plays home for the regular-season finale the next day vs. Atlanta.

Inter Miami dropped to fourth place in the Eastern Conference with four games remaining and one game in hand.