What illness does Lionel Messi have? Will he play against Philadelphia Union?

After three months away, Inter Miami were hoping to welcome back Lionel Messi for this weekend’s visit of Philadelphia. But, despite having now returned to the practice field, an illness may have complicated his comeback.

Lionel Messi has been suffering with the flu this week, forcing him to train away from the rest of the squad on Tuesday and Wednesday. His ankle, injured in the Copa América triumph against Colombia, is thought to be recovering well and he was previously tipped to to play some part against Philadelphia Union on Saturday.

So, will Messi make his long-awaited return in MLS this weekend? Gaston Edul of TyC Sports reports: “He remains on track to return in one of the next two games for Inter Miami.”

Inter Miami schedule: MLS fixtures

After facing Philadelphia Union on Saturday, the Herons will travel to Atlanta United on Wednesday, September 18. The Philadelphia game is one of just three home matches remaining for Inter Miami in the regular season.

All seven of their remaining games are against Eastern Conference teams, meaning that the travel distances for Messi and the team are more manageable.

However, their remaining games include fixtures against three other teams in the top six of the Eastern Conference. Inter Miami have games against New York City (5th place, Sept 21), Charlotte FC (6th place, Sept 28) and Columbus Crew (third place, October 2).

Miami have already secured qualification for the playoffs and, with a seven-point lead and a game in hand, look set to finish the regular season with the Supporters’ Shield.

But this historic Inter Miami team are within striking distance of a place in the record books, currently on track to to break the regular season points record. The single-season MLS record is 73 points, set by the New England Revolution in 2021. With 59 points already, Inter Miami need just five wins to break the record. With Messi set to return to the fold, few would bet against it.