Lionel Messi, now 37 years old, sustained an ankle injury in the Copa America final against Colombia on July 14. Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino stressed in an interview with The Athletic on Wednesday that the Argentine captain’s full integration into team training is still ongoing. “We have developed special exercises that allow him to participate to a certain extent,” said Martino. “But he is not yet medically cleared to play.” Since returning from the Copa America, Messi has been training separately with the team’s physiotherapists. Martino reported last Friday that the former Barcelona playmaker will make his competitive comeback before the end of the MLS regular season, which ends on October 19. This plan remains unchanged even after Messi’s staggered return to action today. He was diagnosed with a serious ligament injury in his ankle. Messi briefly wore a walking shoe and has since watched Inter Miami’s games at Chase Stadium from the stands, accompanied by his family. Martino explained the treatment of Messi’s injury on Wednesday. “It’s a matter for the medical team, but obviously it was a difficult injury that took time and a lot of hard work from Leo and the medical team,” Martino explained. “The next goal for Leo is not to be afraid of the pain or of another possible injury. That’s typical with injuries.” Martino stressed the importance of the mental aspect: “If we gradually integrate him back into training with the group, he will gain confidence in both areas.” Messi is also missing from the Argentina national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia in September. Argentina leads the CONMEBOL qualifying table with 15 points, followed by Uruguay (13 points) and Colombia (12 points). Inter Miami, meanwhile, continue to lead the Eastern Conference table. Their 2-0 victory over second-place FC Cincinnati on Saturday extended Miami’s lead to eight points with eight games left in the regular season. In the overall standings for the Supporters’ Shield, which is awarded to the MLS team with the best season record, Inter Miami leads the Los Angeles Galaxy by four points. On Saturday, Inter Miami will face 13th-placed Chicago Fire away at Soldier Field.
