Lionel Messi to Make Inter Miami Return From Injury vs. LA Galaxy, Mascherano Says

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi is slated to return to the pitch for Saturday's match against the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Coach Javier Mascherano told reporters he's expecting to have Messi available barring an unforeseen development.

The 38-year-old has been out of the lineup since Aug. 2 due to a muscle injury in his right leg.

Inter Miami beat Pumas 3-1 in the Leagues Cup and lost 4-1 to Orlando City SC in MLS action with Messi sidelined. The club is sixth in the Eastern Conference with 42 points but is averaging the third-most points per game (1.83).

The MLS MVP in 2024, Messi is once again lighting up the league. He's the joint scoring leader (18 goals) with Nashville SC's Sam Surridge, and he has nine assists.

The value of the Argentine attacker to his squad is evident by the fact that no other Inter Miami player has more than seven goals.

Miami has another 11 matches left on the MLS calendar. Having Messi available will be important toward the club's quest to secure a playoff berth and atone last season's upset to Atlanta United in the first round.

Mascherano will also be looking to extend Miami's run through the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup. Messi's contributions were instrumental in the team's 2023 triumph in the competition.