FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi has been given the green light to play after spending two months sidelined with an ankle injury. Inter Miami has announced that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is set to rejoin the lineup this Saturday when the team takes on Philadelphia at home.
"Messi is available," confirmed Inter Miami coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino on Friday, ahead of the team's training session.
Martino did not specify whether Messi would be in the starting lineup, come on as a substitute, or face any minutes restriction.
His return will provide another boost to Inter Miami, which currently holds the best record in Major League Soccer. Despite missing nine consecutive MLS matches and 15 games overall this season, the team has maintained its top standing and secured a playoff spot.
Messi last appeared for Inter Miami on June 1. He initially missed time while playing for Argentina in the Copa America tournament and then due to an ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final on July 14. He returned to group training with Inter Miami late last month. The team's recent two-week break for World Cup qualifying matches allowed him additional time for recovery and conditioning.
Messi has scored 12 goals and provided 13 assists in just 12 MLS games this season. Even after missing nearly half of Inter Miami's matches, his 13 assists rank third in MLS, and he is tied for 13th in goals.
