Tata Martino has teased that Lionel Messi could soon be back from injury despite missing his third Inter Miami fixture in a row.
Speaking to the Miami Herald, the Herons manager revealed that the forward is feeling better each day, and time could soon tell if Messi is fit enough to feature again soon for Inter Miami.
Martino said: “[He] feels better each day. Time will tell whether what I am saying is true or whether that person who made the report is right.”
Inter Miami left it late against New York City FC last night to secure a 1-1 draw in Florida, with Messi again missing out entirely due to a hamstring injury.
Play-offs are still on the cards for Inter Miami, but with Messi out through injury, it is hard to see where the Herons can pick up the points needed to qualify for the post-season.
However, Martino’s update on the 36-year-old is encouraging, with Messi seemingly closer to returning to full fitness than many would expect.
Martino needs to hope Messi can return from injury soon
Messi’s fitness is directly linked to Inter Miami’s hopes of qualifying for the MLS play-offs, and the attacker returning from injury sooner than expected will be huge for Martino and the Herons.
The forward is easily the best player in the world and someone Inter Miami will need if they’re to stand any chance of overturning their current position in the standings.
Moreover, Messi’s returning to the squad will lift everyone around him, with the results speaking for themselves already this season in regards to certain Inter Miami players.