Lionel Messi, the world-renowned footballer and World Cup champion, made a significant stride in his recovery journey as he returned to practice with Inter Miami on Wednesday. This marks Messi's first public session with his teammates since sustaining a right ankle ligament injury during the Copa America final on July 14. The match, held at Hard Rock Stadium, saw Argentina clinch victory against Colombia, but it came at a cost for Messi, who was sidelined due to the injury.

 

A Milestone in Messi’s Rehabilitation

At 37 years old, Messi’s return to practice is a notable milestone in his rehabilitation process. Previously, he had resumed individual drills but had yet to rejoin his Miami teammates for a full practice. Wednesday's session was a crucial step forward, demonstrating his progress as he worked alongside his fellow players on the field for the first time since his injury. The session was a mix of relief and anticipation for fans and teammates alike, signaling that Messi’s return to form might be on the horizon.

 

Impact of Messi’s Absence on Inter Miami

Messi’s injury has kept him out of Inter Miami’s last seven games, an absence that has been felt both on and off the pitch. Despite his unavailability, the team has shown remarkable resilience and performance. Inter Miami currently leads the MLS Eastern Conference, boasting a six-point lead over second-place Cincinnati. The team has also secured a playoff spot, further underscoring their impressive season. Their recent 2-0 victory over Cincinnati highlighted their capability to thrive even in Messi’s absence.

 

The Big Question: When Will Messi Return?

As the MLS season approaches its final stretch, fans are eagerly speculating about Messi’s return. Inter Miami Head Coach Tata Martino has indicated that Messi will be back before the end of the MLS season, which runs through mid-October. However, the exact timing of his return remains uncertain.

Inter Miami’s upcoming fixtures include an away game against Chicago Fire FC on Saturday, which may come too soon for Messi to make his comeback. If he is not fit in time for this match, the next potential opportunity for his return would be on September 14, during a home game against the Philadelphia Union. This scheduling gives Messi additional time to fully recover, as Argentina has opted not to select him for their World Cup qualifying matches on September 5 and 10.

 

Looking Ahead

Messi’s gradual return to fitness is a beacon of hope for Inter Miami and its supporters. As the team continues to excel in his absence, the anticipation surrounding his return builds. The star player's presence is expected to bring a significant boost as the season progresses towards its climax. For now, fans and teammates alike will be watching closely, hoping that Messi’s recovery will continue to advance and that he will be back on the pitch soon to contribute to Inter Miami’s success.