Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni received encouraging news from Inter Miami manager Tata Martino regarding the availability of his star player, Lionel Messi. Messi has not played for Argentina since their Copa America 2024 final victory against Colombia in July, where he left the field in the second half due to an ankle ligament injury.
Messi has since returned to action for Inter Miami, playing in three matches. In his first game back, he scored twice in a 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union, bringing his season tally to 14 MLS goals and 14 assists.
Due to his injury, Messi missed the September international window. On Friday, Martino commented, “In addition to the games with us, he has games with the Argentinian national team.”
Martino expressed confidence in Messi’s fitness for the MLS playoffs, stating, “Leo is going to improve as he plays more 90-minute matches.”
“Leo doesn’t need extra physical work in training, but he does need competitive rhythm. With the games with us and the Argentinian national team, we believe he will enter the playoffs in excellent shape.”
Miami currently leads the Eastern Conference and the Supporters’ Shield standings with 64 points in 30 matches, and they are on track to break the MLS record for the most points in a single season.
“We are in a crucial position this week to try and secure the top spot overall,” Martino said. “We will assess how the games unfold and address our needs accordingly. Our main focus is achieving our objective, especially since after these three games, the FIFA international break will allow us a week of recovery for most of the team, while some players will continue competing.”
