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September 13, 2024
Messi has been remarkably productive on the field despite dealing with an injury. In just 12 matches this MLS season, he has found the back of the net an impressive 12 times. His ability to maintain such a high level of performance, even while recovering from a physical setback, showcases his incredible skill, determination, and resilience. Each game he plays continues to prove why he is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. His scoring consistency in facing challenges has been a critical factor in his team’s competitiveness throughout the season.
Soccer fans patiently waited two months before Lionel Messi could return to the field. His time off was due to a significant right ankle injury he suffered during the 2024 Copa América final. This high-stakes match saw Argentina narrowly defeat Colombia 1-0, with Messi playing a crucial role until his injury. The two-month recovery period was tense for Messi’s supporters and the football community as they eagerly awaited news of his condition and hoped for his swift return. His absence was felt deeply, as Messi’s presence on the pitch is vital for his team and a thrill for fans who cherish watching him perform at the highest level.
Because of his involvement in the Copa América and the injury he sustained, it will have been three months and 14 days since Lionel Messi last donned Inter Miami’s pink jersey. During a press conference today, head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino announced that Messi will be ready to return to action this Saturday, September 14, in the match against the Philadelphia Union. This confirmation has generated excitement among fans eager to see Messi back on the field, as his return is expected to boost the team’s performance significantly.
“Yesterday he returned to training. He is contemplated for tomorrow’s game and after training, we will define the strategy for him, but he is available. We are going to once again have the best player in the world within the team, so we are all happy about that situation,” Martino said.
Concerns arose earlier this week about Messi’s availability for the match against Philadelphia after reports surfaced that he was dealing with a sore throat. His participation seemed uncertain, leaving fans and analysts speculating about whether he would be fit to play. However, despite these health concerns, Messi’s return is still anticipated, as everyone remains hopeful that he will be in top form for the upcoming game.
“Yes [there was concern], because it came together a bit with everything-the recovery of the ankle and just that throat condition he had, which prevented him from training,” Martino said.
Messi last appeared for Inter Miami on June 1 in a thrilling 3-3 draw against St. Louis SC, where he opened the scoring with the match’s first goal. Since that game, the star forward has been absent for 13 matches across both MLS and Leagues Cup competitions. His absence has left a noticeable gap in the team’s lineup, with fans eagerly awaiting his return to bolster Miami’s attack again.
In the competition pitting teams from Liga MX and MLS against each other, Inter Miami clearly felt the impact of Messi’s absence. They managed to secure second place in their group, trailing behind Tigres, but their journey was cut short in the Round of 16 when Columbus Crew eliminated them. Messi’s presence could have been a game-changer, and his absence was a significant factor in the team’s early exit from the tournament.
Inter Miami fared remarkably well during the month and a half without their star player, securing 10 wins in 13 matches. The only significant stumble came with a heavy 6-1 defeat to FC Cincinnati on July 6.
Despite this, Inter Miami currently sits atop the Eastern Conference and the Supporters’ Shield standings, boasting 59 points from 27 games. Their recent 4-1 win over the Chicago Fire, in which Messi’s close friend Luis Suárez netted twice, clinched their place in the 2024 MLS playoffs—an achievement they missed out on last season.
Tata Martino’s squad is now eyeing the record for most points in a single season, held by the New England Revolution with 73 points in 2021. Given their form, this milestone seems well within reach for Inter Miami.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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