Lionel Messi has not played for Inter Miami since June, with the attacker being out through injury since mid-July.
The Argentine international twisted his ankle in the Copa America final, with Messi since rehabilitating his latest injury behind the scenes at Inter Miami as the Herons continue to win without their club captain.
With Tata Martino saying Messi will be fit enough to face the Philadelphia Union this weekend, though, there is growing optimism that the forward could return to action at long last for the Florida franchise.
Yet another setback might be on the cards for Messi.
Messi not spotted in Inter Miami training today
As reported by Ole, Messi was not seen in Inter Miami training at all today despite returning earlier this month to the field, with the Herons also missing Matias Rojas in practice.
With no official word out yet on what has happened to Messi, Inter Miami will need to be swift in confirming whether or not the Argentine international will be fit enough to face Philadelphia on Saturday.
Indeed, Messi’s return has been highly anticipated by Inter Miami and MLS fans, with only a handful of regular season games left to play for the former FC Barcelona star before the post-season play-offs.
And Messi suffering a setback could be a nightmare scenario for Inter Miami, who will want their star attacker back as soon as possible having not played any club soccer since June.
Inter Miami fans will hope Messi’s absence isn’t serious
There could be a thousand different reasons why Messi wasn’t spotted in training today, and Inter Miami fans will hope that the attacker’s absence isn’t as serious as some already think.
The 37-year-old forward will be key for Inter Miami in their bid to win MLS Cup, with Messi the missing piece of the puzzle for the Herons if they’re to claim a domestic double this year.
And Inter Miami supporters will hope Messi’s rumored setback isn’t as bad as it can be, with the forward potentially needing an extra week or two to get fully fit and ready for his awaited return to the pitch.