MLS
Messi returns to training with Inter Miami
The Argentinean was back training with his teammates on Wednesday. Federico Redondo spoke about the captain’s return in his press conference.
Lionel Messi’s return to action is drawing nearer and on Wednesday the Argentine star started working alongside his teammates in preparation for his imminent return to the pitch.
Head coach Gerardo Martino confirmed after last weekend’s victory against Cincinnati that the captain would soon be available again. Messi has missed the last 12 games - including all four of Miami’s games in their Leagues Cup defence.
How many games has Messi missed with Inter Miami?
Messi has not played a competitive match since Argentina’s Copa América victory over Colombia on 14 July. He was substituted on 66 minutes during the final, replaced by Nico González. Subsequent tests revealed an ankle injury that has kept him sidelined for the past month and a half.
On Wednesday, Inter Miami held an open training session for the media and it was there that Lionel Messi was seen in public for the first time in weeks. He worked with the group and although it is probably still too early for him to slip back into his starting role in the first team, his return is at least looking closer.
Messi joined the rest of the group and completed the day’s practice without any major complications or effort, thus showing signs of his evolution and imminent recovery to 100% to be with the team in the final stretch of the season despite already having qualified for the playoffs.
On the plus side, one factor that will benefit Inter Miami is that Messi won’t be called up by Argentina for next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia. That will give him more time to focus solely on building back his fitness and concentrating on his return with the Herons.
Seeing Messi back out on the practice pitches is also a huge confidence boost for the rest of the squad. One of the player who is happy to see him back is Federico Redondo, who attended reporters after the session.
“For me personally, it’s more about how much I admire him rather than actually learning from him. Once he’s on the field, he makes it look so easy, but it’s not so easy to learn what he does,” the Argentine midfielder said.
When could Messi return for Inter Miami?
Messi’s return to the pitch is getting closer, however, it is still not sure whether he will travel with the team for this weekend visit to Soldier Field to face the Chicago Fire.
Inter Miami will bring August to a close against Chicago, who occupy 13th in the Eastern Conference with six wins and 12 defeats. Martino’s men will take a short break for September’s international matches.
Messi could potentially return for the first game after the international break - the Herons welcome the Philadelphia Union to Chase Stadium on Saturday 14 September, by which time, Leo will have had another two and a half weeks to work on his fitness.