Inter Miami is buzzing with anticipation as their star player, Lionel Messi, might be gracing the field again this Saturday against the league leaders, FC Cincinnati. According to the Miami Herald, the return of the soccer icon, sidelined for nearly a month due to a leg injury, could be a game-changer.
Messi injury setback happened on September 7th during a World Cup qualifier between Argentina and Ecuador in Buenos Aires. This scar tissue aggravation has seen him miss most of Miami’s recent matches, with only a brief appearance against Toronto on September 27th. His potential return has been eagerly awaited by fans and the team alike. Inter Miami’s head coach, Tata Martino, shared optimistic news this week, revealing that Messi’s comeback is imminent.
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“After our recent game against Chicago Fire, we’re looking ahead and focusing on Lionel’s health. We plan to assess him closer to the weekend to ensure he’s match-ready,” commented Martino. The key focus for the team’s management and medical staff is ensuring Messi’s long-term health, emphasizing that he will only return to action when fully healed.
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Despite his recent absence, Messi’s impact is undeniable. Recently nominated for the league MVP after joining Inter Miami in July, he has been diligently working on his fitness, separate from the main squad. However, recent developments indicate he’s set to rejoin full team practices soon. Javi Morales, Inter Miami’s assistant coach, added to the optimism by confirming Messi’s robust training session on Thursday. Yet, he clarified that the final call on Messi’s participation would be a “game-day decision.”
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Another testament to Messi’s recuperation is Argentina’s decision to enlist their star player for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru. This call-up, however, implies Messi’s absence from Inter Miami’s crucial game against Charlotte FC on October 18th.
When Messi signed with Inter Miami, the club recognized the significance of his representation for Argentina. Despite the challenges it might pose for their MLS aspirations, it was an understanding they willingly embraced.
As the regular season narrows down, Miami faces an uphill battle. They have to clinch victories in all three of their upcoming games, hoping for favorable outcomes in other league matches to secure a playoff spot. With Messi’s participation still hanging in the balance and a tough fixture list, the pressure is mounting for Inter Miami to deliver.