Lionel Messi begins on-field workouts this week, raising hopes that he could rejoin Inter Miami before the conclusion of the MLS regular season, according to Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s statement on Friday.
The 37-year-old soccer star has been sidelined due to a right ankle injury sustained during Argentina’s Copa América final against Colombia on July 14, where he left the pitch in tears after an emotional second-half exit.
Messi is set to miss the upcoming match where Inter Miami will host FC Cincinnati on Saturday. Additionally, he has been excluded from Argentina’s national team roster for two World Cup qualifiers this September. Since July 1, he has not taken the field for Inter Miami, but Martino indicated that full training could be on the horizon.
“He is not training with the group yet. However, he is working individually with physical trainers on the field,” Martino explained, adding that Messi is making good progress. “It was expected that he would not be part of the Argentina squad, as he is not yet ready to compete.”
While Martino did not provide a specific timeline for Messi’s return, he suggested that it might occur before the MLS playoffs, which are set to begin in late October. This news is particularly encouraging for fans, as Inter Miami currently leads the Eastern Conference and could secure a playoff spot with a victory on Saturday.
