Lionel Messi set to return after two-month injury lay-off, confirms Inter Miami coach Martino

Messi has not played since spraining his right ankle in Argentina’s July 14 win against Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final. He last played for Inter Miami on June 1.

Messi has missed eight MLS games for his club and this month’s World Cup qualifiers for his country. | Photo Credit: Getty Images via AFP

Inter Miami CF superstar Lionel Messi will be available Saturday against the visiting Philadelphia Union, coach Tata Martino confirmed Friday.

The 37-year-old forward has not played since spraining his right ankle in Argentina’s July 14 win against Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final. He last played for Inter Miami on June 1.

“Yes, he’s fine now,” Martino told reporters on Friday. “Yesterday he returned to training. He is contemplated for tomorrow’s game and after training we will define the strategy for him, but he is available. We are going to once again have the best player in the world within the team so we are all happy about that situation.”

Messi sat out Wednesday’s session with a sore throat before participating in the Herons’ session on Thursday.

“Luckily, (the sore throat) lasted just one day. Yesterday he trained normally, let’s hope he keeps evolving today,” Martino said. “It’s about taking into consideration all that’s happened to define the strategy.”

Messi has recorded 12 goals and 13 assists in just 12 MLS matches (11 starts) this season -- the fastest to 25 goal contributions in league history.

Inter Miami (18-4-5, 59 points) is closing in on the Supporters’ Shield and the No. 1 playoff seed in the Eastern Conference.

“To have the best player in the world back in a team that’s going through a positive spell,” Martino said of Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. “We’re all happy about that.”