Lionel Messi is close to MLS return: Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi is all set for his return to the side having been out of action for more than a month. According to Messi’s Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino, Messi is not far from a return having taken part in light training as the Major League Soccer (MLS) season reaches the business end. The legendary Argentina player has been out of action since the Copa America final in the United States in July where his side won its second consecutive continental title.

Messi nearing MLS return

"I wouldn't be able to give an approximate number of days that he returns to training, but it is not a situation that is too far away," Martino said while speaking to ESPN.

"There is a part of the injuries that have to do with the physical, and there is a part that has to do with the mental. We have to overcome them both ways, and I think he is going through that process," he added.

Despite Messi not being part of the team, Miami have done reasonably well having scalped 53 points in 25 matches and leading the Eastern Conference. They are all but qualified for the MLS playoffs and will cement their place in the coming days.

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It has been a year of revolution for the Florida-based club having gone from bottom of the league to now potential winners of the MLS.

Despite the hints, there is no return date yet set for the 37-year-old who could feature in September for the side. Earlier in the week Messi was omitted from Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Argentina squad will be the first since 2013 when neither Messi nor Angel di Maria feature in the squad.

While Messi is out due to injury, Di Maria called time on his international career having played a pivotal role in the South American nation’s recent international accolades.