Lionel Messi joins group training with Inter Miami for the first time since the Copa América, marking a significant moment for both the player and the team.
“To see him on the field is great,” remarked Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender after the Wednesday practice session. “I know he’s been getting treatment every single day, training every single day. He’s dealt with things before. He’s been there, done that and he’s still doing it at the highest level. To see him recover from the kind of injury we witnessed at Copa América and be available for us this season highlights the exceptional care we have here.”
This season, Messi has made a remarkable impact with 12 goals and 13 assists in just 12 MLS matches for Inter Miami. However, he has missed 14 league games, including the last eight, due to international commitments with Argentina and ongoing recovery from an ankle injury. During this time, he also sat out all four of Inter Miami’s matches in the Leagues Cup, as the team aimed to defend the title they secured last year.
Messi’s last appearance was on July 14, when he exited in the second half of Argentina’s victory over Colombia in the Copa América final. Throughout the tournament, he struggled with leg issues and briefly left the field during the first half of the final due to a left ankle problem, ultimately having to depart for good in the second half.
If Messi remains sidelined until the match on September 14, he will have had a full two months to recover and prepare for the upcoming MLS playoffs. Notably, Inter Miami has already secured a playoff spot and currently leads the league with a four-point advantage over the LA Galaxy, holding a match in hand.
“To be able to get him back,” Callender added, “it’s going to be huge for us.” This sentiment reflects the anticipation surrounding Messi’s return and the potential boost it could provide to Inter Miami as they aim for success in the playoffs.
