The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been out since the Copa America final in 2024 due to damage to his right ankle. After winning another trophy in that competition, he made his way back to Chase Stadium, but he hasn’t been able to participate in any more club matches.
Since Messi departed for international duty in mid-June, the Herons have not featured him, and Tata Martino has had to make due without the services of his greatest creative impact. In lieu of their captain, Inter Miami has secured a spot in the playoffs and plans to have him back for their next game on September 14 against the Philadelphia Union.
The Player/Manager podcast has heard USMNT player Julian Gressel discuss how his domestic colleague has been doing in recent training sessions. “He is no longer truly limping. He has participated in team training, but I believe the Chicago game was a little too early for him. Given that we are currently in the international break and he is playing for the national team, I believe he finally decided to just give it another few weeks.
“I anticipate that he will play in this game with the team. The idea of having two weeks of intensive instruction seems reasonable to me. He is still somewhat restricted at times, of course, but I believe they are being cautious and monitoring him on a daily basis. It’s still kind of like day to day.
However, it’s good that he has participated in team training and has joined the group more often on the field. Leo Messi is back, and it’s good to have him there. It will definitely be an interesting way to wrap things up if you can include a man like him after everything we’ve done over the last two months.
Prior to this, Gressel asserted that Messi’s impending return—coming back at a pivotal point in the season—will have opponents “scared.” With a lot of money spent on building a talented roster, Inter Miami is determined to celebrate a historic MLS Cup victory in 2024.
