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Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi was conspicuously missing from training as his side ramped up preparations for their MLS clash against Philadelphia Union on September 14. The forward has not featured for the club since June, having picked up an ankle injury while on duty with Argentina at the Copa America.
Messi has been out injured since July, missing the last nine Inter Miami games in the MLS and Leagues Cup. The Argentine forward has recently returned to team training but was surprisingly absent from the open training session held on Wednesday, September 11.
Journalist Gaston Edul has taken to X to allay the fears of the Inter Miami fans who have feared the worst regarding the fitness of Lionel Messi. He revealed that the forward was, indeed, in training, but held his own session away from the view of the press due to his suffering from the flu.
Inter Miami manager Tata Martino has expressed a desire for his talismanic captain to return to action when the Herons face Philadelphia Union on Saturday. This minor setback, however, may mean that the 37-year-old would have to wait until Wednesday, against Atlanta United, to return.
Inter Miami have been almost impeccable in Messi's absence, winning eight of nine games, and have sealed a place in the post-season playoffs. The Herons missed out on the playoffs in 2023 and have now qualified with games to spare, an indication of their great improvement.
Lionel Messi will return in time for the end of the regular season and the start of the playoffs to help his side push for the MLS Cup. With a comfortable seven-point cushion over LA Galaxy, the 2024 Supporters' Shield is also within reach for Martino's side.
Barcelona commence process to host Lionel Messi at new Camp Nou - Reports
Spanish giants Barcelona are proposing to host club legend Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates at the Camp Nou once it is reopened. La Blaugrana have submitted a proposal to host the La Finalissima, as per reports from BOLA VIP.
Barcelona have not hidden their intentions of having Messi grace the Camp Nou once more in his career, and they have found the Finalissima as an opportunity. The match will pit the South American champions Argentina against club sensation Lamine Yamal and his fellow Spanish Euro 2024 winners.
The Finalissima is being proposed to take place in 2026, the year of the next FIFA World Cup, and the new Camp Nou will be ready by then. The iconic stadium will wear a new look and seat an incredible 105,000 spectators, making it the perfect venue for such an occasion.
