Lionel Messi has not kicked a ball for Inter Miami since June 1st, with the Argentine set for even more time out through injury.
The 37-year-old injured his ankle in the Copa America final against Colombia, with Messi working in the gym for Inter Miami ahead of his long-awaited comeback to full fitness, which could happen later this month.
With Messi not named in Argentina’s squad for the upcoming September international break, Inter Miami will be hard at work behind the scenes trying to get the forward as fit as possible ahead of the final MLS fixtures of the regular season.
Yet insiders with the Herons are now starting to feel concerned over Messi.
Inter Miami worried that Messi isn’t back in full training yet
Speaking on Inside Inter Miami, journalist Michelle Kaufman noted how there is concern at Inter Miami that Messi is not yet back training with the rest of the squad, with the Argentine still working in the gym.
With a huge MLS fixture against FC Cincinnati coming up this weekend, Inter Miami once again not having Messi will come as a big blow for the Herons, especially with the forward being out for as long as he has been already.
Kaufman said when asked about the latest regarding Messi’s return from injury: “Messi has not been there, he’s not been outside with the team, he hasn’t even been training alone with a trainer on the field.
“All the work that he’s been doing from what we’ve been told is inside the gym. He hasn’t even been promoted to the position of being outside and jogging with the trainer, which is pretty concerning.”
Herons need to remain patient with Messi’s fitness
Messi’s time at Inter Miami has been split 50/50 into time spent on the pitch and time spent recovering, with the 37-year-old’s body finally starting to catch up after nearly 20 years of consistent top-flight soccer.
Yet whilst it is easy to be frustrated with Messi and his fitness, Inter Miami and supporters need to be patient with the reigning Ballon d’Or holder, who will be back soon based on the current knowledge we have.
Indeed, Messi’s return could well happen at the end of this month against the Chicago Fire, and the attacker will be key for Inter Miami in their bid to win MLS Cup as well as the Supporters’ Shield.