Will Lionel Messi play against FC Cincinnati?

Lionel Messi could return to the Inter Miami team for their do-or-die MLS clash against FC Cincinnati this weekend.

The Argentine has missed the team’s last four matches due to a reoccurrence of a muscular issue. Inter Miami have not won any matches since his absence.

But Miami, who must beat Supporters’ Shield winners Cincinnati to keep their playoff dreams alive, may have Messi at their disposal for Saturday’s game. Messi’s teammate Sergio Busquets has revealed that the Miami captain is nearing a return.

“He is practically ready to return, which is great because he is a very important player and we need him,” Busquets said.

Likewise Miami head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino has confirmed that Messi is in contention to play against Cincinnati, but he will be tested again on Friday.

“I think he’s getting closer to playing again,” the Miami boss said. “We’ll evaluate him Friday to see if he’s in condition to play Saturday. The most important thing is him putting his injury behind and slowly returning to his best form.”

Can Inter Miami still qualify for the playoffs?

Miami enjoyed a staggering upturn in fortunes after Messi, along with Busquets and Jordi Alba, arrived over the summer. They lifted the Leagues Cup in August and began to push for the playoff places.

However the team’s form has dropped off in recent weeks, coinciding with Messi’s absence. On Wednesday they were demolished by playoff rivals Chicago Fire in a game that was billed as must-win for the Herons.

Miami have played a game fewer than most of the teams ahead of them and they have three remaining fixtures in which to overhaul the five-point gap to the playoff spots. If the Herons win all three of those games they will put themselves in contention for qualification, but that will not be easy.

This Saturday they take on table-topping FC Cincinnati. After that they have two games against Charlotte FC, who currently stand between them and the playoffs.

If they are to have any chance of making it to the post-season, Miami need to secure a statement victory over Cincinnati on Saturday to kick-start their stalling playoff push.