Lionel Messi Set to Return for Inter Miami After Two-Month Injury Layoff

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi is set to make his highly anticipated return to club football, as confirmed by coach Gerardo Martino on Friday, September 13. Messi, who last played in the Copa America final victory over Colombia in July, is ready to take part in Miami’s upcoming Major League Soccer (MLS) match against Philadelphia Union on Saturday. His return is expected to strengthen Miami’s pursuit of their first-ever MLS title, as they currently top the standings in the Eastern Conference.

 

Messi Ready for MLS Comeback

“Yes, he’s fine,” Martino stated before Friday’s training session. “He trained on Thursday, and he’s part of the plans for the game. We’ll finalize our strategy after training, but he is available,” the Argentine coach added.

Martino expressed the team’s excitement about Messi’s return, saying, “To get the best player in the world back into a team that was already performing well is a big boost for us.”

Messi sustained an injury during the Copa America semifinal against Canada but managed to play in the final against Colombia, where his side emerged victorious. However, the injury sidelined him for two months, forcing him to miss several matches, including the recent international break. Along with Ángel Di María, Messi was unavailable for Argentina’s national team for the first time in 12 years, with Di María also announcing his retirement from international football.

 

In Messi’s absence, Roma star Paulo Dybala wore Argentina’s iconic No. 10 jersey and scored a goal during the break

Despite being without Messi, Inter Miami has performed well, collecting 53 points from 25 matches and currently leading the Eastern Conference. They are on the verge of securing a spot in the MLS playoffs, with their position expected to be confirmed soon.

This year has marked a major transformation for the Florida-based club, rising from the bottom of the league to becoming strong contenders for the MLS title.