Messi’s long-awaited return to MLS is taking longer than expected. And Inter Miami aren't exactly telling us when he’s coming back.
Argentina and Inter Miami captain, Lionel Messi, suffered an injury during the 2024 Copa América final last July, forcing the 37-year-old off the pitch with a reported right ankle ligament injury.
This ultimately led the Argentine to completely miss Inter Miami’s run in this summer’s Leagues Cup (eliminated in the second round of the knockout stage), failing to defend their Leagues Cup 2023 title — a tournament that saw Messi score 10 goals and provide four assists in just his first set of games for the MLS club.
A full month of Leagues Cup action later and a plethora of MLS game absences during the Copa América, Messi’s return date is still in the air. Though, it’s sooner rather and later.
When will Messi come back from injury? Inter Miami star hoping for return after international break
According to reports, Lionel Messi was expected to make his return to the pitch with Inter Miami on Aug. 31 against the Chicago Fire.
However, considering the risks that might come with potentially pushing the Argentine’s recovery forward, Miami might use the upcoming international break to their advantage.
Club teams around the world will take a break between Sept. 2 and 10 for the FIFA International Break, pushing Miami’s next MLS match until Sept. 14. They will face off against the Philadelphia Union.
This ‘week break’ for Messi and Miami could help the Argentine fully recover without having to miss another match, lessening the possibility of an injury relapse if his return is made against the Union at DRV Pink Stadium.
Inter Miami manager, Gerardo Martino, spoke on Messi's status, saying the Argentine is not too far away from making his return to training.
"I wouldn't be able to give an approximate number of days that he returns to training but it is not a situation that is too far away," Martino said, per ESPN.
"There is a part of the injuries that have to do with the physical and there is a part of the injuries that has to do with the mental, so we have to overcome them both ways and I think that he is going through that process.
"He is feeling better and better. He has been working in the field for three or four days now. We cannot give time because we do not know and it would be speculating about something that may not be possible to do, but it is close," he added.
Inter Miami will host FC Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 24, looking to clinch a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs after missing out on the postseason in the 2023 MLS Season.
