MLS
Messi back in training: Inter Miami to decide if he is fit to play vs New York City FC
The club will decide whether or not Messi is fit enough to feature in their huge MLS game against NYCFC.
Inter Miami know that there is no margin for error and Saturday could be the last great opportunity for the side to continue their dream to make the playoff line in the Eastern Conference table: they are set to take on NYCFC at the DRV PNK Stadium - but will Messi play?
On Friday, The Herons carried out their final training session ahead of the mammoth clash against the team placed 9th in the standings. The doubts still surround Lionel Messi and his fitness, given that the player has been on the sidelines for the last two games, including a defeat in the US Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo.
‘We’ll see if he’s available for tomorrow, which is what we all want’
Ahead of the training session, Inter Miami’s technical assistant, Javi Morales, attended the media and assured that Friday would be the day when the decision was made regarding Messi’s participation in the game. The Argentine will undergo medical tests to determine his fitness levels to see if he is match fit and ready to feature.
“Leo’s case is very specific”, said Morales, “we’re going day by day, we were trying until the last minute to see if he could get on for a few minutes in the final, but he couldn’t, so it’s about communication with the doctors and above all Messi himself to see how he feels. Today for sure he’ll try out and we’ll see if he’s available for tomorrow, which is what we all want.”
Jordi Alba suffers a hamstring injury
Morales also confirmed that left-back Jordi Alba has suffered hamstring damage, which is why he will be out for a slightly longer time than Messi. “With Jordi [the recovery time] is a bit longer than with Leo, his injury is a hamstring so he won’t be here for the weekend.”
Messi spotted at Miami training
The good news regarding Messi was confirmed in the training session on Friday: despite the World Cup winner not taking part at the beginning of the session with the rest of his teammates, Messi did in fact turn up on the pitch towards the end for a short time.
The media outlets present at the training ground captured Messi at the end of the session, but they could not confirm whether or not he was set to feature against NYCFC. Having said this, the fact Messi is there at all is a positive sign and a step in the right direction on the road to recovery for the Argentine.
