Inter Miami sit top of the MLS standings and remain favorites to retain their Leagues Cup title, achievements that have been made without Lionel Messi.
The Argentine superstar has not appeared for the Herons in over two months, with Messi suffering an injury in the Copa America final that has kept the 37-year-old attacker out of action since returning to Florida last month.
Whilst Tata Martino confirmed that Messi is on schedule for Inter Miami, it still might be some time before the reigning Ballon d’Or winner is back on the pitch for the Supporters’ Shield leaders, with this month’s MLS tie against FC Cincinnati a realistic aim.
Yet Messi himself seems to have set himself some deadlines for when he wants to return.
Messi wants to play for Inter Miami before next international break
According to ESPN Argentina, Messi has set a goal for himself to be play at least once for Inter Miami before the September international break, where the attacker wants to be fit to face Chile and Colombia for Argentina.
With Messi yet to return to full training, there’s a real chance that the forward’s comeback gamer for Inter Miami could come right before the start of the next round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers, an away tie against the Chicago Fire.
Indeed, Inter Miami will be in no rush to bring Messi back given how important the attacker will be in the final weeks of the season, where the Herons will be going for the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup.
And with Messi setting a goal of returning to action later this month, Herons’ fans should feel optimistic about this news, with the Argentine setting a clear goal to make his long-awaited comeback in the coming weeks.
Messi being fully fit for next month will be massive
With Messi clearly having his eye on competing with Argentina at next month’s World Cup qualifiers, the attacker being fit for September will be huge for Inter Miami given how many big games are coming up.
There’s a realistic chance that Inter Miami could have the Supporters’ Shield wrapped up by the end of September, with nine regular-season games remaining, five of which take place next month.
And if Messi is fit enough to play, Inter Miami could be in the clear to secure a prized piece of silverware, with the MLS play-offs to come straight afterwards.