Inter Miami hope Lionel Messi will return from injury next week but have a “key target” of their MLS match against Philadelphia Union on September 15, according to a report.
Argentina captain Messi sustained an ankle injury during his country’s Copa America 2024 final win over Colombia on July 14, with Miami’s game at home to Cincinnati on Sunday the seventh in a row the 37-year-old will miss.
“Leo is focused on rehab, strengthening his ankle and taking things slowly,” said Hernan Claus, an editor for Argentine newspaper Ole.
“He hasn’t yet trained with the group but will soon join his teammates. There’s hope he might play some minutes against Chicago Fire on August 31, but the key target is the September 14 match against Philadelphia Union.
“Inter Miami are patient, aiming to have him fully fit for the play-offs starting in late October, with the goal of winning the MLS.”
✨ Messi keeps making history in MLS! With a goal and assist during the weekend, he became the fastest to reach 25 goal contributions in just 12 games! 🐐 pic.twitter.com/msuQaLJwNZ
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) June 4, 2024
📰 Table Of Contents
Messi injury update
Argentina host Chile in a 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier on September 6 and visit Colombia as their campaign continues four days later. The World Cup holders then travel to Venezuela and are at home to Bolivia in October.
Alongside Luis Suarez, Messi remains Miami’s joint-top scorer on 12 goals despite missing 13 of their 27 league matches in 2024.
The club captain last featured at home to St Louis City on June 2, scoring in a 3-3 draw before his departure for the Copa America.
Se conocen de memoria 🤩
Jordi ➡️ Messi ✨ pic.twitter.com/RwOOygRDvO
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) June 2, 2024
Inter Miami results
Inter have won six and lost one of their seven MLS games in Messi absence, although that defeat was a 6-1 thrashing on July 7 at second-placed Cincinnati, who can reduce their lead at the top of the table to two points by beating them again.
Third-placed Columbus Crew are 10 points behind Miami but have two games in hand and an eight-goal superiority.
Messi played in three of their four Concacaf Champions Cup matches, scoring twice and providing two assists, the second of which came in their quarter-final defeat to Mexican opponents Monterrey.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner missed their entire Leagues Cup title defence, which ended with a 3-2 defeat at Columbus on August 14 despite Miami being 2-0 ahead with 24 minutes remaining.
“I wish we could have had him with us but football brings injuries and setbacks,” midfielder Sergio Busquets said after that loss.
“We know the difference Leo makes. He is very important and it has been a shame not to be able to enjoy him because I’m sure it would have made things different and we would have had many more possibilities.”
