Messi returns to MLS action after long injury absence

Lionel Messi is set to return to action for Inter Miami this weekend after over two months on the sidelines due to injury. The 37-year-old Argentina captain has been absent since sustaining ankle ligament damage in Argentina's 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final in July.

Messi has now fully recovered and resumed full training, making him a likely inclusion for Inter Miami's home match against Philadelphia on Saturday.

Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino confirmed Messi's fitness, stating, "Yes, he's fine. He trained and is in our plans for the match. After training today, we’ll decide on strategy, but he's available."

Messi has been instrumental in Inter Miami's impressive run this season, contributing 12 goals and 13 assists in just 12 MLS appearances. Despite concerns about his match fitness, Martino downplayed any issues, emphasising Messi’s importance to the team: "Welcoming back the best player in the world for our team, which was already on a good run, makes us all very happy."

Inter Miami currently sit atop Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference standings with 59 points from 27 matches, holding an eight-point lead over second-placed Cincinnati.

Lionel Messi's illustrious career is filled with remarkable achievements. Having won the prestigious Ballon d'Or award eight times, he has consistently proven to be one of the greatest players of all time.

His success began at FC Barcelona, where he scored over 670 goals and provided over 300 assists in 778 matches. Messi also won 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies, and numerous domestic cups with Barcelona. After leaving the club in 2021, he joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he continued to add to his trophy cabinet before making the move to Inter Miami in 2023.

Lionel Messi’s role in Argentina’s national team has been equally impressive, cementing his legacy as one of football’s greatest players. He made his senior debut in 2005, and over the years, became Argentina’s all-time leading goal scorer with over 100 international goals. Despite early disappointments in major tournaments, Messi led Argentina to significant victories, including winning the Copa América in 2021, breaking a 28-year trophy drought for the country.

His most significant achievement came in 2022 when he captained Argentina to victory in the FIFA World Cup, defeating France in a thrilling final. Messi's leadership, combined with his crucial goals and assists throughout the tournament, earned him the Golden Ball as the best player of the World Cup. His role as captain and playmaker has consistently elevated the team's performance, turning Argentina into a formidable force on the international stage.

Messi has now played over 170 matches for Argentina, participating in multiple Copa América and World Cup tournaments, securing his status as the heartbeat of the national team. With his enduring influence on the field, he remains a symbol of Argentina’s footballing success and pride.