Lionel Messi: Between Rehab and Comeback – Inter Miami Remains Optimistic

Lionel Messi, now 37 years old, sustained an ankle injury during the Copa America final against Colombia on July 14. Inter Miami's coach, Gerardo Martino, emphasized in an interview with The Athletic on Wednesday that the full integration of the Argentine captain into team training is still ongoing. "We have developed specific exercises that allow him a certain participation," said Martino. "But he has not yet received medical clearance to play." Since his return from the Copa America, Messi has been training separately with the team's physiotherapists. Martino reported last Friday that the former Barcelona playmaker will make his competitive comeback before the end of the MLS regular season, which concludes on October 19. This plan remains unchanged even after Messi's gradual reintegration today. A severe ligament injury in the ankle was diagnosed. Messi briefly wore a walking boot and has since watched Inter Miami's games from the stands at Chase Stadium, accompanied by his family. Martino explained the treatment of Messi's injury on Wednesday. "This is a matter for the medical team, but obviously it was a challenging injury that required time and a lot of hard work from Leo and the treating team," Martino explained. "The next goal for Leo is to not fear the pain or another possible injury. This is typical with injuries." Martino stressed the importance of the mental aspect: "As we gradually reintegrate him into training with the group, he will gain confidence in both areas." Messi will also miss Argentina's national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia in September. Argentina leads the CONMEBOL qualifying table with 15 points, followed by Uruguay (13 points) and Colombia (12 points). Meanwhile, Inter Miami continues to lead the Eastern Conference table. Their 2-0 victory over second-placed FC Cincinnati on Saturday extended Miami's lead to eight points, with eight games remaining in the regular season. In the overall standings for the Supporters' Shield, awarded to the MLS team with the best season record, Inter Miami leads by four points over the Los Angeles Galaxy. On Saturday, Inter Miami will face 13th-placed Chicago Fire at Soldier Field.