Martino: Lionel Messi to return to Inter Miami before end of regular season amid ankle injury recovery

Concerns arose over Lionel Messi's ankle injury when he was omitted from Argentina's September World Cup qualifiers, but he may return to club action sooner than expected.

Inter Miami manager Tata Martino confirmed that the Inter Miami captain is making good progress in individual training sessions, and will play at least some part for the Herons before the playoffs start in late October.

Speaking to reporters, Martino elaborated on Messi's return. Although he acknowledged that he couldn't offer a timeline, the head coach did offer some insight.

"There is no estimated time for his return,” Martino said. “It’ll depend on how he feels and on the summation of training sessions." But when pressed as to whether Messi would play again in the regular season, the former Argentina and Barcelona boss responded with a clear "yes."

Including his absence due to Copa America, Messi hasn't suited up for Miami for over two months. The Herons were in the midst of their Leagues Cup campaign when he returned from international duty with an ankle injury. Miami managed a Round-of 16 run in the Leagues Cup without him, and have a five-point lead atop the Eastern Conference ahead of the resumption of MLS Saturday.

The Argentine will continue individual sessions as Miami continues its playoff push in MLS. Although there is no date for his return to action, it seems that the seven-time Ballon d'Or Winner will be back in the fold prior to the playoffs. The final week of the season ends on Oct. 19.