Lionel Messi hits ‘ideal form’ for Inter Miami at perfect time – with Herons expecting Argentine GOAT to lead charge for MLS Cup glory

The Argentine superstar has endured a couple of injury setbacks in 2024, with the most recent of those seeing him suffer ankle damage in the Copa America final. Messi sat out several weeks when working his way back to fitness, but has picked up where he left off since returning to Tata Martino’s plans.

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Messi recorded an 11-minute hat-trick in his latest appearance, as Inter Miami saw off the New England Revolution and posted another record with the highest single season points tally in MLS. They are now readying themselves for play-off action, with their talismanic captain peaking with perfect timing.

Martino has told reporters of working Messi back to his mercurial best when it matters most: "After the big injury that he had in the Copa America, we had to be very careful with his recovery and to bring him back to the team. So in both the Argentina team and here, we were very careful with that topic.

"The Columbus game (on Octover 2), especially second half, Leo was participating a lot in what happened in that match, and the last game with Bolivia also, we saw him a lot looser, a lot more in rhythm, with a lot more performance. Tonight, the first ball back he touched was the pass to Jordi Alba so he could make a goal. I have the feeling that we have him in ideal form in the most important part of the year for us."

Messi is a contender for the 2024 MLS MVP award, with 20 goals and 11 assists to his name, and Inter Miami will be hoping to see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner maintain remarkable standards when opening their play-off campaign on October 25 against either CF Montreal and Atlanta United.