When is Lionel Messi back? Inter Miami boss Tata Martino provides injury return date after Herons thrash Chicago Fire in MLS clash

The Argentine ankle sprained his ankle during the Copa America final and has remained sidelined ever since. However, Martino's men have had no trouble navigating the waters without their talisman as they boast an eight-point lead at the top of the Eastern Conference after a convincing 4-1 triumph over Chicago Fire on Saturday. Luis Suarez scored a brace in that win.

Messi had been in scintillating form for Inter Miami before he left for Copa America, recording 12 goals and nine assists in just 12 appearances. He has already started training with the group and soon the 2022 World Cup winner will make his return to the pitch, as revealed by Martino to reporters after the victory over Chicago.

“Leo [is] doing well and spent time training with the group,” Martino said. “We felt that for the time he could give us in this match, it might be better to consider the next 15 days. Ultimately, we discussed it and concluded that this second option was better. So, we’re aiming to have him available for the match against Philadelphia [on September 14]."

The Argentine will be available well ahead of the MLS playoffs, which is a major relief to Inter Miami fans. He failed to inspire the Herons to a playoff spot in 2023 after he picked up an injury towards the end of the campaign. But this time, it seems that the record Ballon d'Or winner will be in action when the postseason starts in late October.