Lionel Messi may not be able to make his triumphant comeback to Major League Soccer this weekend due to a further setback. Messi has been absent from Inter Miami for the past three months. Less than a month after leaving the squad in June to play for Argentina at Copa América 2024, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner helped La Albiceleste win their record 16th Copa América title.
Messi’s tournament came to a sad end, despite the fact that he had won his third major trophy for Argentina in as many years. The 37-year-old’s right ankle ligament injury kept him off the field for both club and country. It appeared as though Messi will finally don his boots for the Herons against the Philadelphia Union on September 14 after months on the sidelines. A few weeks ago, the captain went back to training, and everything seemed to be in place for a Saturday night return under the lights at Chase Stadium.
With the exception of Messi, who missed the team’s Wednesday practice. According to the Miami Herald, the Argentine was apparently feeling under the weather and had a sore throat. Most likely, he was working out apart from the team.
Messi might have to sit out another week due to an illness. If Messi is deemed unfit to play, Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s team shouldn’t be very threatened by the Union. As their captain heals from an ankle injury, the Herons have actually won their previous four MLS games and are in a position to win the Supporters’ Shield. A position in the MLS Cup Playoffs has already been secured by David Beckham’s team. Inter Miami will only benefit from having Messi return, but first he needs to get his health back on track.
