Lionel Messi of Inter Miami may return against Union

Lionel Messi is perhaps available to make a comeback for Inter Miami CF, the leaders of the Supporters’ Shield, in Saturday’s match against the visiting Philadelphia Union. However, it remains uncertain how manager Tata Martino would utilize his most prominent player.

Messi has not participated in any matches for Miami (18-4-5, 59 points) since June 1, nor in any competitive matches since incurring an ankle ligament injury during Argentina’s Copa America final win against Colombia on July 14.

Upon rejoining the whole squad before Miami’s 4-1 victory against Chicago on August 31, Messi chose to stay with the Herons throughout the September international window instead of participating in two World Cup qualifiers for Argentina.

“Indeed, he is currently in good health,” Martino informed reporters on Friday, in Spanish. “Yesterday, he resumed his training and is now being evaluated for the match scheduled for Saturday.” Our approach for him will be determined following today’s session, but he is now available.

Even in the absence of Messi, the Herons have won eight out of nine matches and currently have a seven-point advantage with a match in hand over the Los Angeles Galaxy in the Shield race. Additionally, they have an eight-point advantage over Cincinnati for the top position in the Eastern Conference. Having scored twice against Chicago, Luis Suarez now has 16 goals and is two goals behind the league leader.

Concurrently, Philadelphia, currently in 11th position with a record of 7-11-9 and a total of 30 points, is making efforts to regain their position in the East postseason battle after securing a 2-0 win against the New York Red Bulls two weekends ago. The rise of Tai Baribo is a predominant factor contributing to the ascent of the Union.

In his previous 11 competitive matches, the Israeli international has scored seven league goals and 12 goals. His performance contributed to the Union’s fourth-place finish in the Leagues Cup.

The 26-year-old sustained a little hamstring injury when playing for Israel during the September international window. However, manager Jim Curtin said that the issue seems to be less severe than initially anticipated.

“His performance in the last two days’ training has been superb, which was unexpected.” “He is in a sound state of mind and prepared to actively participate,” Curtin stated.

Curtin stated that goalkeeper Andre Blake is now experiencing a groin ailment that he worsened while playing for Jamaica. He is assessed to be in a “day-to-day” condition. The Union’s three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year has only participated in eight league matches this season.