Inter Miami have reportedly set a timeframe for when the senior squad will be fully fit, with Lionel Messi currently out injured.
The Herons have struggled with injury problems throughout the entire year, with Facundo Farias tearing his ACL in the first game of pre-season with Nicolas Freire suffering a similar injury just before this summer’s Copa America.
And the problems have extended to Messi, who during the Copa America twisted his ankle in an incident that has kept the 37-year-old attacker out of action for Inter Miami, with no return date announced for the Argentine.
Yet Inter Miami seemingly have an idea of when Messi and the rest of the squad could be fully fit.
Messi and Inter Miami to be fully healthy by the end of August
Speaking on Inside Inter Miami, journalist Michelle Kaufman shared that manager Tata Martino is hopeful that the Herons could have the likes of Messi back and available for selection before the end of August, when the Florida franchise will face MLS rivals FC Cincinnati.
Indeed, Inter Miami have thrived without Messi with seven wins from the last eight games in all competitions, yet with given how good the Argentine is, having the forward back would be nothing short of huge for the Supporters’ Shield leaders.
Kaufman said on when Martino thinks Inter Miami’s squad could be fully fit again: “Martino hasn’t speculated on a return date, but he has been saying things like ‘I hope to have the team back by the end of August, I’m counting on it, once we have everyone back, we can be at our best.’
“So I think the thinking is that Messi will be out for a few more weeks and miss most of Leagues Cup, and maybe come in for the final rounds and last MLS games for the final play-off push, I believe he’ll be back for that.”
Messi returning next month will be massive for the Herons
With Leagues Cup not as important as it was last year, Inter Miami can afford to take it somewhat easy this summer when it comes to pushing their best players to start in the competition.
And with such a big MLS tie coming up at the end of August, Inter Miami will want Messi back for that fixture, where the 37-year-old’s return could be nothing short of massive for the Herons.
The Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup are the two priorities for Inter Miami in 2024, and with Messi working his way back to recovery, having the forward back as soon as possible will be huge for Martino and his squad.