Lionel Messi set for Inter Miami return after two-month injury layoff

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi is set to make his long-awaited return to club football after coach Gerardo Martino confirmed on Friday (Sep 13). Messi, who was last in action during the Copa America final win over Colombia in July, is available for Miami’s latest Major League Soccer (MLS) contest against Philadelphia Union on Saturday. His return should boost Miami’s chances of lifting their maiden MLS title where they lead the charts in the Eastern Conference.

Messi set for MLS return

"Yes, he is fine," Martino said before training Friday. "He trained (Thursday), he is in the plans for the game. After training we will figure out the strategy for him, but he is available," added the Argentine.

"To get back the best player in the world to our team, which was already on a good run, we are all very happy with this situation," said Martino.

Messi got injured in the Copa America semifinal against Canada but did make it to the final against Colombia where his side was victorious. However, the injury forced him to miss the next two months of action including the recently concluded international break. He along with Angel de Maria were not available for selection for the first time in 12 years in Argentina with the latter announcing his retirement from the game.

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In the absence of Messi, Roma star Paulo Dybala wore the iconic No 10 shirt for the nation as he also scored a goal.

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.

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.