Lionel Messi’s possible return date has been revealed as the Inter Miami and Argentina star recovers from an ankle injury.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Messi has been out of action since the Copa America final on July 14, during which the Argentine star was left in tears after tearing ligaments in his right ankle. It was announced this week that the Inter Miami forward will miss his country’s World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Chile in September, and is also expected to miss a few more games for his club.
THE GENERAL CONTEXT
According to Olé, the news on Messi is positive. The 37-year-old is set to step up his rehabilitation in the coming days, with the next stage of his recovery involving a return to training with his Inter Miami teammates. Messi’s ankle is reported to be fine – he has followed his treatment plan diligently – but the Herons are “in no rush” to get him back on the pitch. Their home game against the Philadelphia Union on September 14 is being considered a possible return date.
DID YOU KNOW?
Some even dream that Messi will be ready before the game against the Philadelphia Union. But Inter Miami has a long-term view on the recovery of its star and wants to have him ready for the end of the season. Gerardo Martino’s team currently leads the MLS Eastern Conference standings and aims to win the MLS Cup; securing Messi’s return in the most effective way possible will be a major factor in that.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Inter Miami face FC Cincinnati on August 24, a month after their heavy 6-1 loss to Pat Noonan’s side. We can also expect to see Messi return to training in the near future, which will be a welcome sight for the club.
