FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi will return to Inter Miami’s lineup, as the team has stated that his recovery from a hamstring injury will be complete on Saturday during an MLS match at home against the Colorado Rapids.
The team posted on social media on Friday, stating, “He’s back.”
Messi has been absent for Inter Miami’s last four games, including a match on Wednesday where the team lost 2-1 to Mexico’s Monterrey in the first leg of a CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal after initially leading 1-0. Following the physical game, tensions escalated, leading to a postgame shouting match near the locker room involving members of both teams, including Messi.
Inter Miami ended the game with one player less, which contributed to Monterrey’s comeback.
“We understand the significance of these matches. They are played with great intensity,” stated Inter Miami assistant coach Javi Morales on Friday. “However, the most crucial aspect took place on the field. We competed against a formidable opponent. Unfortunately, we were unable to maintain the lead once we were reduced to 10 players. Now, we must approach the next game against Monterrey in the best possible manner to progress.”
The second leg of the Miami-Monterrey series is scheduled for Wednesday. Considering Messi will be in the lineup on Saturday, it is expected that he will also be available for the second leg.
Messi has not played since March 13 and also missed Argentina’s recent friendlies against El Salvador and Costa Rica. He participated in training with Miami on Friday.
“He’s making progress each day,” Morales noted.
