World Cup champion Lionel Messi was back on the training field with Inter Miami on Wednesday for the first time since suffering an ankle injury in last month’s Copa America final.

The 37-year-old forward completed some individual exercises before joining his Miami teammates for his first public practice since he hurt his right ankle ligament during the match on July 14, which Argentina won against Colombia.

Although Messi started individual workouts last week, Wednesday marked a key moment as he practiced with his teammates, marking progress in his recovery.

Update on Messi’s ankle injury

Messi has been sidelined for the past seven games for Miami due to this injury, and he hasn’t played for his MLS team since June 1 due to commitments with Argentina. Despite missing their star player, Inter Miami has performed remarkably well this season. The team is currently leading the MLS Eastern Conference, six points clear of second-place Cincinnati, and has already secured a playoff spot after beating Cincinnati 2-0 last Saturday.

When will Messi be back on the field?

Last week, Miami Head Coach Tata Martino stated that Messi is expected to return before the MLS season concludes, but the specific date is uncertain. The MLS season runs until mid-October.

Inter Miami’s next match is an away game against Chicago Fire FC on Saturday, which might be too soon for Messi’s anticipated return. If not, he may be able to play in the home game against the Philadelphia Union on September 14. Additionally, Messi was not picked for Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifying matches on September 5 and 10, giving him more time to recover.

This report includes contributions from YSL News Sports reporter Safid Deen.