Lionel Messi is nearing a return to action for Inter Miami, but his recent absence from a training session caused some concern.
The star forward, who has been recovering from an ankle injury for almost two months, was notably missing from Inter Miami’s open training session on Wednesday, raising fears that he might have suffered a setback.
Tata Martino, the team’s head coach, had previously stated that Messi is expected to be fit for this weekend’s match against Philadelphia Union. Given the Argentine’s fitness struggles this season, speculation about a new injury was understandable.
However, it appears those concerns were unfounded.
Journalist Gaston Edul reported that Messi has indeed been training this week, though privately. According to Edul, Messi has been dealing with a cold, not an ankle issue. On Twitter, he clarified: “Leo Messi had another training session today because he has the flu. Nothing has happened to him regarding his ankle recovery.”
Messi is still expected to return for Inter Miami’s upcoming match, with Martino remaining optimistic about his fitness.