Lionel Messi is set to make his return with Inter Miami on Saturday after being sidelined for over two months due to an ankle injury, confirmed Miami coach Gerardo Martino on Friday.
“Yes, he is fine,” Martino said before the team’s training session. “He trained yesterday, and he is in the plans for the game. After training, we will finalize the strategy for him, but he is available,” the Argentine coach added.
Inter Miami, who lead the Eastern Conference and are at the top of the overall standings, will face the Philadelphia Union on Saturday. Messi sustained his right ankle injury during the Copa America final on July 14, where he played a crucial role in Argentina’s victory over Colombia.
Since the injury, Messi has missed eight MLS games for Inter Miami and this month’s World Cup qualifiers.
“Having the best player in the world back with our team, which was already performing well, makes us very happy,” said Martino.
Inter Miami has already secured a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs, though their seeding will depend on their performance in the remaining regular-season matches, which end on October 19. The playoffs will begin the following week, with the MLS Cup scheduled for December 7.
Robert Taylor, Miami’s Finnish winger, also shared his enthusiasm about Messi’s return. “We’re already confident, but his return to training gives us even more confidence. We hope he’s ready to play soon,” Taylor told the Miami Herald.
“He brings so much leadership. His competitiveness in training is amazing to watch. He wants to win every single thing we do, whether it’s football tennis, rondos, or small-sided games. That motivates everyone to match his level,” Taylor said.
Taylor does not anticipate any lasting effects from Messi’s injury. “Two months is a long time for anyone, but he’s the best player in the world. I don’t think we’ll see much of a different Messi than we’ve seen before,” he added.
