Inter Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino recently provided an update on Lionel Messi’s recovery from an ankle ligament injury. Martino expressed confidence that Messi will soon be ready to join the team for training and will make a return to the field before the end of the MLS regular season. Despite missing out on several matches and being omitted from Argentina’s national team roster, Messi’s progress in rehab seems to be on track with the team’s expectations.
Martino confirmed that Messi is currently working closely with physical trainers to overcome his injury and get back in shape. The coach mentioned that there is no specific timeline for Messi’s return to training, but he emphasized that it is not too far away. With the playoffs looming at the end of October, Inter Miami fans are eager to see Messi back on the field, contributing to the team’s success in securing a playoff spot.
Inter Miami’s Playoffs Prospects
Inter Miami currently sits at the top of the Eastern Conference with 53 points in 25 games. The team is well-positioned to clinch a playoff spot this weekend, even if they do not secure a win against FC Cincinnati. With various result combinations that could lead them to the postseason, the anticipation is high for Inter Miami’s playoff run. The possibility of Jordi Alba, Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets sharing the field for the last time in Miami colors adds an extra layer of significance to this season.
As the season progresses, questions arise about the future of key players like Suárez and Alba. Suárez’s contract is set to expire at the end of the 2024 season, while the team would need to activate Alba’s optional extra year to keep him for the next season. Martino mentioned that there have been no negotiations yet regarding contract extensions, but there is certainly interest in retaining key players for the future. However, the coach pointed out the challenges posed by MLS restrictions and the need to focus on the current season before engaging in contract talks.
With nine regular-season games left before the playoffs kick off in late October, Inter Miami’s focus remains on securing a playoff spot and preparing for a successful postseason run. The return of Lionel Messi and the potential departure of key players like Suárez and Alba add an element of uncertainty to the team’s future. As fans eagerly await Messi’s comeback and the team’s playoff prospects, the final stretch of the season promises to be an exciting and challenging journey for Inter Miami.