Inter Miami handed boost as Lionel Messi's injured teammate is set to rejoin training - Reports
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami have received a boost as they will welcome back attacking midfielder Matias Rojas ahead of their crucial season-ending run. The Paraguayan will return to training this week after an injury layoff.
Rojas suffered an ankle injury at the end of last month and was ruled out of action for a month. Inter Miami had issued a statement on their website about the midfielder's injury, which said:
"Inter Miami CF today has provided an injury update presented by Baptist Health for midfielder Matías Rojas. Rojas has suffered a left ankle sprain, and will be assessed as he recovers, determining his return-to-play timetable."
According to a report in the Miami Herald, the 28-year-old is set to return to training this week. Rojas signed for Inter Miami in 2024 on a free transfer from Brazilian side Corinthians.
The 28-year-old has been key for the Herons as they aim to win the elusive MLS Cup. Rojas has registered eight goals and two assists In 15 appearances in all competitions.
Lionel Messi, himself, returned from injury this week. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had suffered an ankle injury in Argentina's 1-0 win over Columbia in the final of the 2024 Copa America.
The Argentina ace made an immediate impact upon his return from injury by contributing to all three goals as Inter Miami beat Philadelphia Union 3-1. Messi scored two goals and set up another in his comeback game.
"Lionel Messi is the best in history" - Inter Miami teammate Rojas
Paraguay forward Matias Rojas is a big fan of his club teammate and captain Lionel Messi. He said that the Argentinian leads by example and spoke about what it is like being his teammate.
In an interview with Deporte Total USA in May this year, Rojas admitted that playing alongside the Barcelona legend, whom he considers the best player in history, is a "big responsibility".
"It’s a big responsibility. There are two ways to approach playing with him, you can either sink or you can swim," he admitted.
"In my opinion, he is the best in history," Rojas claimed. "You can either play with the fact he will not understand your pressure or you let it go, and he solves all that with what he does."
Interestingly, Rojas' first goals for Inter Miami were assisted by Messi. The return of the duo back to full fitness could be key for the Herons as they bid to win the MLS Cup for the first time in the club's history.