Lionel Messi to Return from Ankle Injury Before MLS Playoffs, Inter Miami Coach Says

Inter Miami head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino says that Lionel Messi will return from injury before the MLS playoffs, according to ESPN's Lizzy Becherano.

"The work is planned by the medical part with the physical trainers. But yes, he returns before the end of the regular season," Martino said, per Becherano.

The MLS regular season will end with Decision Day on Saturday, Oct. 19.

Messi has not played since suffering an ankle ligament injury on July 14 while playing for Argentina in the Copa América final.

Playoffs are then set to begin with knockout wild card matches on Wednesday, Oct. 23, followed by the best-of-three first-round series on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Inter Miami could clinch a playoff berth this weekend in several different scenarios, including a win on Saturday against FC Cincinnati.

Martino told reporters there is not yet a specific timetable for Messi's return, and that it was "foreseeable" that Messi would not be in Argentina's squad for its upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Messi was left out of the group that will face Chile and Colombia.

"He is not training with the group. But yes, he is already out on the field and working with the physical trainers," Martino said. "He is developing well... There is no estimate, because you are already starting to see how you feel as you add training on the field."

For now, Martino confirmed that Messi will sit out Saturday's contest against FC Cincinnati, per Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald.

The next date Messi could potentially return is a road game against the Chicago Fire on Aug. 31. The Fire has been anticipating the Miami star's potential absence since July, when the team offered fans discounts on future matches if Messi is unable to play.

Messi has played in 12 games for Inter Miami this season, recording 12 goals and 13 assists to set an MLS record as the fastest player in league history to 25 career goals.

Although the Argentinian soccer star has missed 13 of Inter Miami's 25 league games so far this season, a strong defense has helped Inter Miami achieve an MLS-best 16-5-4 record. The return of Messi before the end of the regular season could make the club a title favorite heading into the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.