Lionel Messi returns to Inter Miami on Saturday after two months out with an ankle injury. Gerardo Martino, Miami’s head coach, declared on Friday that the Argentine star is fit for the match against the Philadelphia Union, bolstering the team.
Messi returns to Inter Miami following injury
Lionel Messi returns to Inter Miami on Saturday after two months out with an ankle injury. Gerardo Martino, Miami’s head coach, declared on Friday that the Argentine star is fit for the match against the Philadelphia Union, bolstering the team.
“Yes, he is fine,” Martino said in a pregame press conference. “He trained yesterday and is in the game plan. He’s available, but we’ll decide after training.” Messi’s return is crucial as Inter Miami leads the Eastern Conference and MLS.
Messi, who joined Inter Miami this year, was hurt in the Copa America final on July 14 while helping Argentina overcome Colombia. An ankle ailment sidelined the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner for eight MLS games and Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers.
Inter Miami made MLS Cup playoffs without him. Teams’ playoff seeding depends on how they conclude the regular season on Oct. 19. Since Messi recovered in time, Miami wants to maintain their momentum heading into the playoffs. Thus, it start next week and culminate with the MLS Cup final on December 7.
Martino was thrilled to welcome Messi home, “To get back the best player in the world to our team, which was already on a good run, we are all very happy with this situation.” Messi should help the squad win the playoffs.
In addition, Miami winger Robert Taylor stated Messi’s return to training has bolstered team confidence. “We’re confident, but he gives us even more confidence now that he’s back training,” Taylor told the Miami Herald. He leads. His training competitions are great. He wants to win everything.”
