Inter Miami fans have been kept in the dark about Lionel Messi’s injury situation, with the superstar missing the U.S. Open Cup final defeat.
Messi has missed the last few games for club and country with injury, and there has been little indication of a return date.
The 36-year-old’s fitness is being monitored carefully by the club, and there were even reports last week that he could miss the rest of the MLS season in a bid to preserve his body.
Messi returns to training
90min have now reported that Messi has returned to training outside, but there is caveat, as he is still not training with the rest of his teammates.
Tata Martino has indicated that he could be back soon for the final few games of the MLS calendar, with a playoff place a distant possibility.
However, the fact he is training alone indicates that a return is still some way off, and with just four games remaining in the MLS season, it is unclear whether he will play a part in any of the matches. Martino has stated that Messi is likely to return before the season ends, but he has still not given a clear date or game in which he may make his comeback.
Fans kept in the dark
With Inter Miami ticket prices surging whenever Messi is set to play, this is not an ideal situation for the fans who are paying top dollar to see the Argentina superstar in action.
It is also not an ideal situation for Martino. It is clear that the team are reliant on Messi for results: Messi is unbeaten in his 12 appearances so far, whilst the team lost the cup final in his absence.
There will hopefully be a clearer indication of his expected return date soon, as everyone is eager to see the genius at work.