Lionel Messi available for selection for Inter Miami, manager Tata Martino confirms

After missing nearly two months with an ankle injury, Lionel Messi is officially back and ready to compete for minutes on the pitch with Inter Miami, manager Tata Martino confirmed to media Friday.

The Argentine has not played for the Herons since June 1, after leaving the club for Copa America 2024 with Argentina. On July 15, In the final match of the tournament, he suffered an ankle sprain that kept him out of the MLS All-Star game and the 2024 Leagues Cup.

"He's fine," Martino said when asked about Messi' fitness. "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."

There was concern that Messi would be sidelined this weekend due to a minor illness he picked up earlier this week that saw him miss training on Wednesday, but the manager confirmed it's a non-issue heading into the weekend.

"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. "But he had been training quite well and we always thought that Philadelphia was the game to return to. Luckily, this lasted only one day. Yesterday he already trained normally, we are just simply taking into account what has happened to define the strategy for tomorrow."

In 12 matches this season with Miami, Messi has scored 12 goals and notched 13 assists, accumulating an astonishing 25 goal-contributions during that span. Despite playing less than half of their campaign so far, he's had an astounding impact on their performances.

With him in the team, the Herons are 8-3-1 (WDL) in regular season competition. Now, with Messi potential back in the mix, he will spearhead their push for both the MLS Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup 2024.

Saturday's contest against the Union kicks off at 7:30 pm ET on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, and the Argentine is now expected to make his triumphant return. First in the Eastern Conference and atop the MLS Supporters' Shield, the Herons will look to extend their lead in the league.