Lionel Messi's injury recovery: Inter Miami coach updates  

By Vasantha

Lionel Messi, Inter Miami's top player, is reaching the finish of his ankle injury recovery from the Copa America final against Colombia earlier this year.  

He missed three months with his club and Argentina due to injury.  

Messi might return to the field on September 14, according to Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino.  

Messi's return is expected on September 14, Inter Miami's MLS match against Philadelphia Union.  

Martino stated this in a press conference after Inter Miami's 4-1 win over Chicago Fire. He said Messi has been training with the club and they hope he will be ready for Philadelphia.  

As previously reported, Messi will miss Argentina's FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.  

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged this while naming the 28-man team for September 5 and 10 matches.  

Argentina leads South American 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying with 15 points. Messi's ankle injury from the Copa America final is still healing.  

First-half right ankle injury for Argentine. He left in the 66th minute after playing through pain in the second half.