Will Lionel Messi play for Inter Miami against Philadelphia? Tata Martino provides positive update
Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino has provided an update on Lionel Messi returning to the pitch. The Argentine icon sustained an injury in Argentina's 2024 Copa America final against Colombia.
Messi had to leave the pitch in the 66th minute with a right ankle injury after he was hurt in the same spot during a strong challenge in the first half. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was seen in tears on the bench with his right ankle severely swollen.
Although the final ended in a 1-0 win with Messi lifting his second Copa América trophy for Argentina, the 37-year-old forward has not been back on the field since and has been rehabilitating for the last two months.
It was recently reported that Messi has been back at training with Inter Miami. However, there were still doubts about when he will feature in a clash for the Herons. With everyone awaiting his return, Tata Martino has now confirmed the Argentine's presence in their upcoming Major League Soccer fixture against Philadelphia Union on September 14 at Chase Stadium.
Martino said (as translated from Spanish) (via José Armando on X):
"Messi is available for tomorrow's match" After today's training, the plan to follow will be defined."
Since his injury in the Copa America final, Lionel Messi was not available for eight matches for Inter Miami while he also missed two of Argentina's 2026 World Cup Qualifier clashes against Chile and Colombia.
Oscar Ustari on Lionel Messi after reunion at Inter Miami
Argentine goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, who recently joined Inter Miami, has spoken about reuniting with his national teammate Lionel Messi. The 38-year-old shot-stopper heaped praise on the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, claiming that he remains true to his roots despite his illustrious career. Ustari said (via GOAL):
"What I value most is how he always leads with the right foot forward, he's never forgotten his roots. In the case with me, he has always been the same, so it makes me very happy that he hasn't changed and with time he hasn't developed that stubborness. He has achieved everything there is to achieve and he's earned it by working hard. I am in a stage of enjoyment with Leo and I am happy to be here and to see him also enjoying it."
Oscar Ustari last shared the pitch with Lionel Messi 16 years ago for Argentina at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The duo were also in the Argentina squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup as teenagers. The former Getafe goalkeeper signed for the Herons for the remainder of the 2024 Major League Soccer (MLS) season with his contract valid until December 31, 2024.