Lionel Messi might make his Major League Soccer (MLS) return against the Chicago Fire on Wednesday (4 October). Argentina’s attacker is gradually regaining full health after suffering a muscle ailment last month. Manager Gerardo Martino of Inter Miami has offered some information on Messi’s health before their Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire encounter in MLS.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is coming closer to full health, according to Martino. Speaking before of Inter Miami’s match against the Chicago Fire, he stated:
“He’s getting closer to normal training each day, and so we are evaluating him on a day-to-day basis. There is a chance of him playing tomorrow.”
Lionel Messi has currently missed five matches for Inter Miami after returning from international duty last month due to discomfort. This includes their defeat in the US Open Cup final versus Houston Dynamo and their four MLS games.
In the last five league games, Lionel Messi has been absent four times. He only ever played against Toronto FC for 37 minutes before having to leave due to injury. Lionel Messi last played the entire 90 minutes for Inter Miami against Los Angeles FC back on September 4.
“Regarding Messi, we’ll evaluate today’s training session to see if he’s at any risk, and decide whether he should travel to Chicago for tomorrow’s match. He should start training with the team either today or tomorrow; considering tomorrow is the match day, he may do the first part of the warm-up today.” Martino added.
Despite Martino’s comments, Lionel Messi is unlikely to start for Inter Miami against Chicago Fire on Wednesday. The former Barcelona superstar might make a cameo appearance. However, given Messi may be required to play for Argentina during the forthcoming international break, it is a stretch.
In Messi’s absence, the Herons will have to rely on players such as Leonardo Campana and Facundo Farias, among others. They are still in contention for a playoff position. Inter Miami is four points behind CF Montreal, who holds the last Eastern Conference playoff position. The Florida-based team, on the other hand, has a game in hand.