Lionel Messi has missed the last four Inter Miami games through injury, with the attacker twisting his ankle in the Copa America final.
The Argentine international has been absent for some time from the Herons, with Messi making his last appearance for Inter Miami right at the start of June before heading off on international duty with the reigning world champions.
Although Inter Miami have fared well since Messi last played, there’s a real sense of urgency from fans and pundits to see the 37-year-old back in action for the MLS side, with the Herons set to play in the knockout stages of Leagues Cup this Thursday against Toronto FC.
And manager Tata Martino has shared an update on Messi’s injury.
Messi on schedule for Inter Miami to recover from ankle injury
Speaking to the press ahead, Martino revealed that Messi is on schedule to recover on time for Inter Miami, though the forward is yet to return to full training on the pitch with the Herons.
Martino said on Messi’s recovery from injury: “Leo is well, he is improving every day, he’s still working in the gym, but he looks better and better, so this is good, he is within the deadlines that we have been thinking about.”
With Inter Miami favorites to go all the way in Leagues Cup and currently leading the Supporters’ Shield standings, Messi returning this month could be massive for the Florida franchise in regards to their chances of winning silverware.
And with Martino saying Messi is looking better and better in the gym is an encouraging sign that Messi will be back sooner than expected, with a return to training next week a realistic goal.
Messi can be Inter Miami’s missing piece this season
Inter Miami could complete a historic treble if they get everything right between now and the end of the season, and Messi returning this month could complete the squad to achieve this goal.
Messi’s presence has been missed in Florida in the last two months, even with Inter Miami losing just two games and establishing their firm lead at the top of the Supporters’ Shield standings.
Indeed, Messi is the greatest to ever play the game and the best MLS has seen, and the Argentine will be the answer for Inter Miami in going for everything this season in the final months of the year.