Lionel Messi: Inter Miami captain edges closer to return from injury as he trains alone on eve of crucial MLS showdown with Chicago Fire
- Messi has missed Miami’s last three fixtures after picking up a muscle injury
- But he is closing in on a return after carrying out individual training sessions
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Lionel Messi is closing in on a return from injury after he was seen carrying out individual sessions at Inter Miami’s training base on Tuesday.
Messi has not featured for Miami since picking up a muscle problem in last month’s 4-0 win over Toronto, which forced him off after 37 minutes of the game.
Tata Martino has therefore been without his captain for their last three fixtures – and the team has paid the price.
As well as dropping four precious points in MLS fixtures against Orlando and New York, Miami also slumped to defeat at their own DRV PNK Stadium in last week’s US Open Cup final against Houston.
Fans are longing for Messi to return as their bid to reach this season’s MLS playoffs heads towards its conclusion, with ninth-place Montreal currently four points away having played an extra game.
Lionel Messi is closing in on a return from injury after he was seen carrying out individual sessions at Inter Miami’s training base
Messi has missed Miami’s last three games after coming off injured against Toronto last month
And in a potential boost for Miami, Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain was seen training alone at their Florida Blue Training Center complex on Tuesday as he edges closer towards a return.
While he was still unable to join in with the group session on the eve of their trip to Chicago Fire, Messi completed some individual drills with and without the ball to step up his recovery from a muscle injury.
According to Argentine reporter Gaston Edul, the 36-year-old will not be involved in Wednesday’s game against Chicago at Soldier Field.
Miami are hopeful that he could return in time for Saturday’s match against FC Cincinnati at DRV PNK, which is their last before the upcoming international break.
Martino’s men are in need of a result at Chicago to keep their faint playoff hopes alive.
They currently trail Wednesday’s opponents by four points in the league table having played a game less.
Miami need their star man to recover as they head towards the conclusion of their playoffs bid
After taking on Cincinnati this weekend, Miami are set to face Charlotte both home and away in their final two fixtures of the season.
Messi’s involvement in those games could be vital in the team reaching the playoffs, given his seismic impact since heading to the States this summer.
In his first 12 outings for the organization, the Barcelona legend scored 11 goals to resurrect their playoff hopes and help land the Leagues Cup.
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