Messi’s Return: A Game-Changer for Inter Miami’s Playoff Push
It’s official: Lionel Messi is back and ready to make an impact for Inter Miami. The Argentine superstar has been cleared to play against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, ending a five-week absence due to a right ankle sprain. With the MLS playoffs just around the corner, Messi’s return couldn’t have come at a better time.
Coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino confirmed the news, stating that Messi had returned to training and was available for selection. "He’s fine," Martino said. "Yesterday he returned to training. He is contemplated for tomorrow’s game and after training, we will define the strategy for him, but he is available."
The 38-year-old’s return is a significant boost for Inter Miami, who are currently leading the Supporters’ Shield and Eastern Conference standings with 59 points from 27 games. They are on course to break the MLS record for most points recorded in a single regular season. The team has already clinched a playoff spot, ending their 2023 postseason drought.
Messi’s availability was briefly in doubt after he missed training on Wednesday due to a sore throat. However, Martino revealed that the issue was a one-day affair, and Messi has since returned to full training. "Yes, there was concern, because it came together a bit with everything, the recovery of the ankle and just that throat condition he had, which prevented him from training," Martino explained.
The addition of Messi to the lineup will undoubtedly elevate Inter Miami’s chances of securing a top seed in the playoffs. The team’s offense has struggled in his absence, scoring just 2.1 goals per game without him. With Messi back in the fold, expect to see an uptick in goal production.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness Messi’s return to action. Tune in to Saturday’s match against the Philadelphia Union to see if Inter Miami can capitalize on their star player’s return. And, as always, follow us on all social media platforms for more updates and analysis throughout the MLS season.