Lionel Messi is poised to make his long-awaited return to the field for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) following a two-month hiatus due to injury. Head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino confirmed that Lionel Messi will be available for Inter Miami’s upcoming match against the Philadelphia Union, scheduled for Saturday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Lionel Messi has been sidelined since July 14, when he sustained a right ankle sprain during Argentina’s 2024 Copa América final against Colombia. His absence had raised concerns about his fitness and the potential impact on Inter Miami’s season. However, the news of his return is expected to significantly bolster the team’s prospects as they continue their strong performance this season.
Despite missing a training session on Wednesday, September 11, due to a sore throat, Lionel Messi’s condition proved to be temporary. Martino clarified that the illness was brief and did not affect his readiness for the upcoming game. “He’s fine. Yesterday, he returned to training. He is contemplated for tomorrow’s game and after training we will define the strategy for him, but he is available. We are going to once again have the best player in the world within the team, so we are all happy about that situation,” Martino said.
Messi resumed training on Thursday and participated fully in Friday’s morning session, easing any concerns about his readiness. Inter Miami currently leads both the Supporters’ Shield and the Eastern Conference standings with 59 points from 27 games. Their impressive form this season has set them on a path to potentially break the MLS record for the most points accumulated in a single regular season. Lionel Messi’s return is expected to play a crucial role in their pursuit of this milestone.
The timing of Lionel Messi’s comeback is ideal for Inter Miami, as they aim to sustain their momentum and capitalize on their successful season. His leadership and exceptional skills on the pitch are invaluable assets for the team as they seek further success in MLS. Fans and pundits alike will be eagerly anticipating Lionel Messi’s performance on Saturday, hoping to witness the Argentine superstar return to his best form and contribute significantly to Inter Miami’s ongoing campaign.
