Lionel Messi is poised to make his return to action with Inter Miami on Saturday, following an extended absence due to an ankle injury, according to Miami coach Gerardo Martino. Martino confirmed on Friday that Messi is in good health and has been included in the team's plans for the upcoming match. "Yes, he is fine," Martino stated before Friday's training session. "He trained yesterday and is part of our strategy for the game. After training, we will finalize our approach for him, but he is available," the Argentine coach added.
Inter Miami, currently leading the Eastern Conference and topping the overall standings, will host the Philadelphia Union on Saturday. Messi sustained the injury to his right ankle during the Copa America final on July 14, where he played a pivotal role in Argentina's victory over Colombia. Since then, he has missed eight MLS games for his club and the recent World Cup qualifiers for Argentina.
Martino expressed his delight at Messi's return, stating, "To have the best player in the world back on our team, which was already performing well, is a great boost for us all." Inter Miami has already secured their spot in the MLS Cup playoffs, although their seeding will be determined by their performance in the remaining regular-season games, which conclude on October 19. The playoffs are set to begin the following week, culminating in the MLS Cup on December 7.
Miami's Finnish winger Robert Taylor also highlighted the positive impact of Messi's return to training. "We're already confident, but having him back in training gives us even more confidence, and hopefully, he'll be ready to play soon," Taylor told the Miami Herald. "He brings a lot of leadership. His competitiveness in training is truly remarkable. He wants to win every little thing we do in training, whether it's football tennis, rondos, or small-sided games. His desire to win everything boosts everyone to try to match that level," he added.
Taylor does not anticipate any lasting effects of the injury on Messi, who holds the record for the most Ballon d'Or awards with eight. "Of course, two months is a long time for anyone, but he's the best player there is. So, I don't think we'll see much of a different Messi than we've seen before," Taylor concluded.
