MLS
When is Lionel Messi set to return from injury?
The Argentinian star was one of Inter Miami’s big absences in their 3-2 defeat against Columbus Crew.
Things didn’t look good for Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup. They failed to retain the title after their 3-2 defeat against MLS champions Colombus Crew in the round of 16.
Despite having Luiz Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets in the starting XI and being 2-0 up with 30 minutes left on the clock, Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s side was not able to keep composure and, in the space of 13 minutes, their rivals completed an outstanding comeback to knock them out of the competition.
Once again, Inter Miami’s most significant absence was Lionel Messi, the nine-time Ballon d’Or winner. But why has the Argentine not returned to the squad?
Lionel Messi’s injury situation
It’s been a month since Messi suffered an unfortunate ankle ligament injury in the first half of the Copa America final against Colombia. The Argentinian had to be subbed off during the second half and missed the extra time period. Initially, medical reports suggested that the player’s injury was not serious: with claims suggesting he was going to miss only two games and return in August.
Time flies; we’re in August, and Messi has yet to return to play for Inter Miami. The outlook seems more discouraging after Martino’s words to the press addressing Messi’s injury situation: “Leo is progressing as expected, but there’s still no precise date for when he might rejoin the group. He continues to work separately”.
“When everyone is available, we are much more reliable and capable of competing. Our priority is to resolve the situation with Leo as quickly as possible while maintaining our competitiveness in his absence,” further added Martino. What’s more, Messi is expected to miss what’s left in August and hopes to return in early September; this means that the Argentinian will miss Inter Miami’s crucial MLS game against Cincinnati, second in the MLS eastern conference table, on August 24. It should be noted that Inter Miami are first in the Eastern Conference with 53 points and is five ahead of FC Cincinnati. To finish in the play-off positions, they will need to continue showing their best version, with or without Messi.