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It has been almost three months since Lionel Messi last played for Inter Miami. His last game for the Herons was an MLS game against St. Louis City on June 2, 2024, ahead of leaving for the 2024 Copa America. The Argentine injured his ankle during the Copa final and has been out of action since then.
According to journalist Gaston Edul, Lionel Messi is in his final stage of recovery and could return to action for Inter Miami in one of their next two games.
The Herons are set to face Philadelphia on September 15 and Atlanta United on September 19 in their next two MLS games.
Meanwhile, Messi has been focusing on his quick recovery and recently returned to training with his Herons teammates. Inter Miami coach Tata Martino had said that the legendary forward is expected to return for Inter Miami ahead of the MLS play-offs.
In Lionel Messi's absence, the Herons continued to maintain their impressive form, remaining first in the MLS Eastern Conference table with 59 points off 27 games. However, they bowed out of the Leagues Cup after a 3-2 loss to Colombus in the Round of 16.
Owing to his injury, Leo Messi was also left out of Argentina's squad for the September FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Despite Messi's absence, La Albiceleste secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Chile on Wednesday and next set face Colombia on September 11.
Julian Gressel talks about Lionel Messi returning to action for Inter Miami
Ahead of Lionel Messi's much-awaited return to action, Inter Miami fullback Julian Gressel shared his thoughts about the Argentine's impact on the squad. He said in an MLS Wrap-Up talk:
“It’s Lionel Messi, I don’t think I really need to say much on what contribution he brings here. We’ve been very good without him, now you add a player like him into this team, and I’m sure other teams are looking at that and are a little bit scared of us."
Gressel added:
"He has a couple of weeks to get back to game fitness, and hopefully he can join us on the field for the next game.”
After leading the Herons to their first trophy in the 2023 Leagues Cup, Leo Messi will be expected to help them pick up their first MLS title this season.
The Argentina international has 14 goals and 11 assists for the Pink outfit in 15 appearances across competitions this season.
