Washington, Sep 14 (HS). Lionel Messi is set to return to action for Inter Miami this weekend after missing more than two months due to injury.
Argentina captain Messi, 37, has not played since suffering an ankle injury during the Albiceleste's 1-0 win over Colombia in the Copa America final in July.
However, he has returned to full training and is set to play for Inter Miami's home match against Philadelphia on Saturday. “Yes, he is fine. He trained on Thursday and he is in our plans for the match. After training today we will think about the strategy for him, but he is available,” Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino told reporters on Friday.
Messi has 12 goals and 13 assists in 12 Major League Soccer matches this season. Martino was not concerned by the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's lack of match fitness, saying his mere presence would be a major boost to the Florida team.
“We are all very happy to welcome back the best player in the world to our team, which was already in great form,” Martino said. Inter Miami currently tops Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference standings with 59 points from 27 games, eight points ahead of second-place Cincinnati.