Lionel Messi could return from injury two weeks after leaving the field with a hamstring issue during Inter Miami’s 4-0 win over Toronto FC on September 20th.
According to Argentine journalist Gaston Edul, Messi is expected to return to the pitch on October 7th, when Miami takes on top Eastern Conference side, FC Cincinnati.
The 36-year-old has been dealing with, what is being reported as, scar tissue flair-up, which could get worse if adequate rest and recovery aren’t implemented.
On Tuesday, however, signs of recovery were present as Messi took the training pitch, doing some light running and ball work.
Speaking with the Miami Herald ahead of The Heron’s Wednesday night match-up against the Chicago Fire, manager Tata Martino touched on Messi’s injury and gave a timeline for his return.
“In Leo Messi’s case, as we’ve addressed this in the past few days, we will see in training if we are running any type of risk and will evaluate if it’s convenient for him to travel [to Chicago] or not.”
The race to the playoffs without Messi continues
Inter Miami have been largely inconsistent, only winning two of their last six games, without Messi on the field.
After out-scoring opponents 30 to 12 during their run to the Leagues Cup Final and subsequent MLS regular season matches, Inter Miami’s attack has sputtered, only scoring three goals in their last three matches with Messi relegated to the sidelines.
As the playoffs creep closer, the Herons will need to win their last four matches if they want to clinch a spot in the postseason.
The team currently sits four points behind ninth-place DC United for the last spot in the playoffs.
Having Messi on the field will be a huge help for Inter Miami’s attack, which will need the veteran’s presence and offensive threat as they look to punch their ticket to the playoffs and, potentially, make a run for the MLS Cup.