Lionel Messi could travel with Inter Miami for a road match Saturday against the Chicago Fire, coach Tata Martino said before Friday’s practice.
Messi has yet to be medically cleared to return from his right ankle ligament injury he suffered during the Copa America final July 14, but he did return to practice with teammates this week.
Inter Miami will face Chicago Fire on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET at Solider Field in Chicago. Messi’s status for the match will likely be determined around 5 p.m. Friday when MLS announces injury updates for Saturday’s games.
“Well, [Messi is] getting better and still hasn’t been medically cleared. But we’ll determine today if he can travel to Chicago or not,” Martino said Friday.
How to watch Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire match?
The Inter Miami match against Chicago Fire on Saturday begins at 8:30 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.
Will Messi play vs. Chicago Fire?
It’s unclear, but Messi could travel for the match in Chicago. How much he plays – if he does play – will be determined by Inter Miami’s coaching and training staffs.
How has Messi recovered from his ankle injury?
Martino said Messi has continued to improve from his ankle injury in the last 6-7 weeks.
“For several weeks now, he’s been training with the ball, starting first with the medical team and physical trainers, and then gradually integrating some parts of training with the group. We’re in that situation right now,” Martino said Friday.
Is Messi coming back too fast from injury?
Messi did appear to favor his ankle during Friday’s practice, a sign he may not yet be ready to return to action just yet. But his practice participation continues to signal his return is imminent.
Inter Miami’s next match is Sept. 14 against the Philadelphia Union, which could be a more likely possibility for Messi’s return from injury.
“There are matters that are discussed a lot with him, and it depends on how he’s feeling. It’s an injury that’s lasted over six weeks, so we need to stay calm and be absolutely sure,” Martino said of Messi’s injury.