Lionel Messi returns to starting XI for Inter Miami vs D.C. United - but Herons hit with severe weather delay at Chase Stadium

Due to a severe weather delay in the buildup to the match, Inter Miami players were not able to take the field for warmups at their normal time. As such, the kickoff time is up in the air.

However, the Herons did name their starting XI, and Lionel Messi is officially back in the mix.

The skies over South Beach do not look kind ahead of kickoff, with gray clouds, lightning and pouring rain taking center-stage at Chase Stadium.

Miami have asked fans in the stadium to "exit the seating bowl and seek shelter immediately."

They followed it up with status on the match, declaring "We will provide an update on the start of warm ups and kickoff when available."

Luis Suarez and Christian Benteke are set to clash Saturday evening in a battle between the former Liverpool strikers. They are both tied at 11 goals scored in the race for the Golden Boot.

Miami will clash with D.C. once the weather clears up, in a battle between two top Eastern Conference sides.