Coach Tata Martino stated before practice on Friday that Lionel Messi might travel with Inter Miami for their upcoming away match on Saturday against the Chicago Fire.

Messi has not yet received medical clearance to return following a right ankle ligament injury he sustained during the Copa America final on July 14, yet he practiced with his teammates earlier this week.

Inter Miami’s game against Chicago Fire is scheduled for Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET at Soldier Field in Chicago. Messi’s availability for the match is expected to be confirmed around 5 p.m. on Friday when MLS shares injury updates for Saturday’s matches.

“He is getting better but has not yet been medically cleared. We will decide today whether he can go to Chicago,” Martino mentioned on Friday.

What channel can you watch the Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire match on?

The game between Inter Miami and Chicago Fire starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday and will be available for streaming on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

Is Messi expected to play against Chicago Fire?

It’s uncertain at this moment, but Messi may travel to Chicago. His actual playtime, if he participates, will be determined by the coaching and training staff at Inter Miami.

How is Messi’s recovery from his ankle injury progressing?

According to Martino, Messi has shown noticeable improvement in his recovery over the past 6-7 weeks.

“For several weeks, he has been working with the ball, first with the medical staff and physical trainers, and is gradually incorporating more training with the team. We are currently in that stage,” Martino explained on Friday.

Is Messi returning from his injury too soon?

During practice on Friday, Messi seemed to be favoring his ankle, which suggests he might not be completely ready for a return just yet. However, his involvement in practice indicates that a comeback is close.

Messi will not participate for Argentina in the upcoming international matches, which include a game against Chile on September 5 and another against Colombia on September 10.

Inter Miami’s next game after the Chicago match is scheduled for September 14 against the Philadelphia Union, which could be a more suitable option for Messi’s return from injury.

“There are many discussions regarding his situation, and it hinges on how he feels. This injury has persisted for over six weeks, so we must be cautious and completely sure,” Martino stated about Messi’s recovery.