Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino has confirmed that Lionel Messi will be available to play in their upcoming league fixture against Philadelphia Union. The forward hasn’t featured in three months since suffering a sprain in his right ankle in the Copa America 2024 final.
Tata Martino added that the veteran also had a brief throat infection that lasted a day. But, he has now returned to training and will be available to play against Union.
Gerardo Martino confirms Lionel Messi is available against Philadelphia Union
Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino says that Lionel Messi is no longer on a minutes restriction and could make his return to the pitch against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 13, 2024
Messi hasn't featured in over 3 months for Inter Miami. pic.twitter.com/2yLjNvG8Xt
“He’s fine,” Martino said. “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.
“Yes [there was concern], because it came together a bit with everything, the recovery of the ankle and just that throat condition he had, which prevented him from training,” Martino said.
Inter Miami are leading the Eastern Conference and are on course for breaking the record for the most points scored in a single season of the MLS. They currently have 59 points in 27 games so far. It remains to be seen if Lionel Messi starts now that he is fit to play again.
When did Messi join Inter Miami?
2023
