Inter Miami have not seen Lionel Messi in training for the best part of two months, yet a return could be on the cards for the Argentine.
Although Inter Miami don’t expect Messi to be back just yet, the 37-year-old attacker is coming to the end of solely working in a gym, with the forward finally expected to be back training on grass at some point this month.
With just a handful of fixtures left to go, Messi returning to action for Inter Miami has arguably come at the right time heading into the post-season play-offs, where the Herons will want to win MLS Cup.
And defender Noah Allen has shared what it’s like training without Messi.
Allen reveals ‘little difference’ when Messi isn’t in Inter Miami training
Speaking to the press, the 20-year-old fullback noted that training is different when Messi isn’t around to participate, though Allen acknowledged that the intensity is often as high when the Argentine superstar isn’t taking part.
With Inter Miami set for a big week in the Supporters’ Shield race against FC Cincinnati, it’s no real surprise that the levels in training have hit new heights without Messi heading into Saturday’s game.
And Allen has now shared what it’s really like training with or without Messi, with the veteran seemingly raising the levels of what happens at Inter Miami by a few factors since arriving last summer.
Allen said: “Obviously, he’s the best player in the world, so there’s going to be a little difference but in terms of intensity and quality, it’s still the same. Especially this week, after coming out of a loss there’s been an extra gear, so it’s been very intense, a lot of quality, so I would say there’s very little difference.”
Messi returning to training will be a massive boost for the Herons
Messi’s return to action is still a mystery, yet signs point towards the forward being back soon in training and potentially in line to travel next week to face the Chicago Fire.
Yet the Argentine simply coming back to training will be a huge boost for Inter Miami, who for two months have done incredibly well without their star attacker in a run that has likely secured the Herons the Supporters’ Shield.
Indeed, Messi’s presence will be huge in the push for MLS Cup, and the forward will be itching to return to the field after so long out by his standards.