Lionel Messi has reportedly set a deadline for when he wants to return to Inter Miami training having missed the last few weeks through injury.
The 37-year-old attacker twisted his ankle in Argentina’s Copa America final win against Colombia, with the forward since missing the last four games with the Herons, though Messi is back at Inter Miami doing gym work away from the pitch.
Having missed Saturday’s Leagues Cup defeat against Tigres, there is a chance that Messi could feature for Inter Miami in the competition if the Florida franchise are to repeat their heroics from last year and go all the way to the final.
And Messi himself has now set a timeframe for when he wants to return to training.
Messi aiming to be back in Inter Miami training this week
According to TyC Sports, Messi is looking to be back on the training pitch for Inter Miami in the coming days, with the Herons’ physio team keeping a close eye on the veteran attacker’s progress in the gym away from the ball.
With Inter Miami impressing without their star attacker and captain, the Herons can afford to give Messi as much time needed to fully recover, with a huge MLS tie against FC Cincinnati coming up at the end of this month.
Moreover, with the pathway to the Leagues Cup final now plotted, there’s a real chance that Inter Miami could make it as far as the semi-finals without Messi, with the Florida franchise showing their quality in recent weeks.
Indeed, Messi’s fitness is paramount for Inter Miami for the final months of the season, and keeping the Argentine as healthy as possible for now could have a big effect when it comes to wrapping up the Supporters’ Shield and challenging for MLS Cup.
Inter Miami are handling Messi’s return perfectly
Inter Miami learnt the hard way last year what happens when you try to rush Messi back from injury, with the attacker burnt out by the end of the season and in need of a long break for the 2024 MLS campaign.
Which is why it is refreshing to see Inter Miami learn their lesson in how to handle Messi when he’s out injured, with the attacker recovering at his natural pace and only doing what he feels comfortable doing.
With Messi set for a return to the pitch this week in training, it won’t be long until the attacker is back competing for Inter Miami, which could make the Herons unstoppable.