Inter Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino recently provided an update on Lionel Messi’s ankle ligament injury, stating that Messi will soon be ready to join the team for training. Martino emphasized that Messi is still expected to make a return to the field before the end of the MLS regular season. Messi sustained the injury during the Copa América final in July, and has since missed Miami’s entire 2024 Leagues Cup campaign as well as the upcoming MLS regular-season matches. Additionally, Messi was left out of Argentina’s national team roster for the World Cup qualifiers in September due to his ongoing recovery.
Martino clarified that Messi is not yet training with the group, but is actively working with the physical trainers to rehabilitate his ankle. Despite being unable to provide an exact timeline for Messi’s return to training, Martino remains optimistic that Messi will be back on the field before the playoffs begin in the last week of October. He highlighted the importance of both the physical and mental aspects of recovery and expressed confidence in Messi’s improving condition during his recent training sessions.
Inter Miami currently holds the top spot in the Eastern Conference with 53 points in 25 games, positioning them well to secure a playoff spot in the upcoming weekend match against FC Cincinnati. Even in the scenario of a loss, Miami has multiple result combinations that could still lead them to the postseason. The 2024 playoffs could potentially mark the last time Messi, Jordi Alba, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets play together for Miami, as Suárez’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season and Alba’s future with the team remains uncertain.
Despite the looming uncertainty surrounding the contract negotiations for Suárez and Alba, Martino expressed interest in retaining both players for the upcoming season. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by the restrictions within MLS and emphasized the need to focus on the current season rather than engaging in negotiations for extensions. With only nine games left in the regular season before playoffs commence in late October, Inter Miami faces critical decisions regarding the future composition of their roster and the potential retention of key players for the next season.
Overall, Messi’s imminent return to Inter Miami for training marks a significant development in the team’s journey towards securing a playoff spot and potentially contending for the MLS title. As the regular season progresses and the playoffs draw nearer, the team will need to navigate the complex landscape of injuries, contract negotiations, and strategic planning to position themselves for success in the upcoming postseason.
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