Lionel Messi started individual training on the field this week and might be ready to play for Inter Miami before the MLS regular season ends, according to Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino.
Messi, who is 37, has been out with a right ankle injury since Argentina’s Copa America final victory over Colombia on July 14, where he left the field in tears after getting hurt.
Messi will not play in Inter Miami’s match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday and is also missing from Argentina’s squad for the September World Cup qualifiers.
He hasn’t played for Inter Miami since July 1, but Martino mentioned that Messi could soon join the team in full training.
“He is not training with the group yet, but he is working with physical trainers on the field,” Martino said. “He is improving, and it was expected that he wouldn’t be with Argentina since he isn’t ready to play yet.”
Martino also said there is no specific date for Messi’s return, but it could happen before the MLS playoffs start in late October.
Inter Miami, which leads the Eastern Conference, could secure a playoff spot with a win on Saturday.
