Lionel Messi is set to start for the first time in three months for Inter Miami when they face Philadelphia Union on Saturday night.
The Argentina star has not played for Inter Miami since June 1 and has been sidelined since injuring ankle ligaments in Argentina’s win over Colombia in the Copa America final on July 14. He was also left out of the national team’s squad for last week’s 3-0 win over Chile and 2-1 loss to Colombia in World Cup qualifiers.
Messi has been training and manager Tata Martino said on Friday he would take part but it was unclear whether he would start or be on the bench.
“Yes, he’s fine,” Martino said Friday, via the Miami Herald. “He’s been training. [Thursday]He’s involved in game planning. [Saturday]We will work out our strategy against him after training, but he is available.”
Martino said in late August that Messi would be back before the start of the MLS playoffs on Oct. 23, but was unable to give a specific return date at the time.
Lionel Messi has not played for Inter Miami since June 1 and could start or be on the bench for Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Union. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, Archivo)
In Messi’s absence, Inter Miami went 10 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw in all competitions, but lost to Columbus Crew in the round of 16 of the League Cup, ending their hopes of a second consecutive title.
Inter Miami currently leads MLS with 59 points with 18 wins, four losses and five draws. They are the only team in possession of a playoff spot and are seven points behind the LA Galaxy in the race for the Supporters’ Shield.
“We are all very happy with the situation because we have the best player in the world returning to a team that was already in good form,” Martino said.
