Will Messi Return Before MLS Season Ends? An Update on His Injury
World Cup winner Lionel Messi is set to return before the conclusion of the Major League Soccer season, as confirmed by Inter Miami coach Tata Martino on Friday.
But when can fans expect to see Messi back on the field? The timeline remains uncertain.
Messi will not play in Saturday’s home match against FC Cincinnati, a game where Inter Miami is aiming for a victory to secure the first playoff spot in MLS this season.
This week, he has shown notable progress in recovering from a right ankle ligament injury, recently engaging in individual training sessions. The next phase will involve returning to team practice, a process that Inter Miami is approaching with caution.
“We have no specific timeline because we need to assess how he feels as he resumes training,” Martino told the press on Friday regarding Messi.
Martino reassured that Messi will make his return as the MLS season nears its end and the playoffs approach.
“The recovery plan is being closely managed by the medical staff and physical trainers. But yes, he will return before the regular season wraps up,” said Martino, who noted Messi’s impressive track record as a two-time Copa America champion.
How to Stream Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati Live?
Inter Miami will play against FC Cincinnati this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET at Chase Stadium. The game will be streamed live on the MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.
How Many Matches Has Messi Missed This Season?
Messi will miss his sixth match since sustaining the ankle injury during the Copa America final on July 14 in Miami, making it his 12th match absence since departing Inter Miami to join Argentina for the tournament.
This season, he has participated in only 15 out of 33 matches for Inter Miami across all competitions. Additionally, Messi played in five out of six Copa America matches with Argentina, missing one for groin injury recovery.
Latest Update on Messi’s Ankle Injury
Messi will remain with Inter Miami instead of joining Argentina for two World Cup qualifying games on September 5 and 10, allowing him to focus on his recovery.
“It was expected that he wouldn’t be available for Argentina since he isn’t ready to play yet, but we’re closely monitoring his progress,” Martino noted.
Inter Miami has nine games left in the regular season, which concludes in mid-October. They are currently leading the MLS Eastern Conference with 53 points, five points ahead of FC Cincinnati, and ten points clear of the Columbus Crew.
Inter Miami was knocked out of the Leagues Cup tournament—which they won last season with Messi’s addition—by the Crew on August 13.
Columbus Crew and LAFC will face off in the Leagues Cup final this Sunday in a rematch of last season’s MLS Cup.
Upcoming MLS Matches on Saturday
Most of the 29 MLS teams will resume regular-season play on Saturday (available for live streaming on MLS Season Pass).
- Minnesota United vs. Seattle Sounders FC, 6:45 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Charlotte FC vs. New York Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m. ET
- D.C. United vs. FC Dallas, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Inter Miami CF vs. FC Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m. ET
- CF Montréal vs. New England Revolution, 7:30 p.m. ET
- New York City FC vs. Chicago Fire FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Houston Dynamo FC vs. Toronto FC, 8:30 p.m. ET
- Sporting Kansas City vs. Orlando City SC, 8:30 p.m. ET
- Nashville SC vs. Austin FC, 8:30 p.m. ET
- Real Salt Lake vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 9:30 p.m. ET
- LA Galaxy vs. Atlanta United, 10:30 p.m. ET
- Portland Timbers vs. St. Louis City SC, 10:30 p.m. ET
