Lionel Messi Close to Returning to Training with Inter Miami

Inter Miami’s head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino has confirmed that Lionel Messi is on track to return to training as he continues his recovery from a ligament injury sustained during the Copa América final.

Messi has been sidelined since he left the field during the final between Argentina and Colombia on July 14. Due to the injury to his right ankle, he was unable to participate in any matches during Miami’s Leagues Cup campaign and is expected to miss additional MLS regular-season games as well.

His absence also affected his national team status, as he was not included in Argentina’s roster for the September World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.

During a recent news conference, Martino reassured fans that the injury is not more severe than initially thought. He noted, “The times are more or less there, and he is not training with the group yet. However, he is already on the field working with the physical trainers.”

Martino mentioned that Messi is making progress in his recovery, stating, “He is developing well. It was to be expected that he would not be with Argentina because he is not yet in a position to play, but we continue to see him develop.” There is no fixed timeline for Messi’s return, as it will depend on how he feels as he resumes training.

Martino expressed optimism that Messi would be back before the playoffs commence at the end of October. He stated, “The work is planned by the medical staff and the physical trainers. Yes, he will return before the end of the regular season.”

While he couldn’t provide a specific return date, Martino indicated that the situation is not distant. “There is a physical aspect to injuries and a mental aspect as well, and we have to address both. I think he is going through that process,” he explained.

According to Martino, Messi has been improving, saying, “He has been working on the field for three or four days now. We cannot provide a timeline because we do not know for sure what that may involve, but we feel it is close.”

Currently, Inter Miami leads the Eastern Conference with 53 points from 25 matches and is poised to secure a playoff spot this weekend against FC Cincinnati. Even if Miami loses on Saturday, multiple scenarios could still ensure their postseason participation.

The upcoming 2024 playoffs may mark the final opportunity for Messi, Jordi Alba, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets to play together in Miami colors. Suárez’s contract will expire at the end of the 2024 season, while Alba’s future hinges on the team’s decision to exercise an optional extra year on his deal.

On the topic of contract negotiations, Martino disclosed, “There are no conversations for extensions at the moment. However, the interest is certainly present.” He emphasized the complexities of Major League Soccer, suggesting that showing interest is not sufficient to secure player agreements. “I don’t know if this is the right moment to discuss it, especially as we are nearing the end of the season,” he added.

With only nine matches remaining in the regular season before the playoffs begin on October 26, the pressure is mounting for the team to solidify their standing while awaiting the return of their star player.

Source: Various