"He did struggle at the beginning" - Inter Miami coach says Lionel Messi was not fully match-fit in recent clash against Charlotte

Inter Miami assistant coach Javier Morales has claimed that Lionel Messi wasn't fully fit during his team's MLS clash against Charlotte on Sunday (September 29). Despite not being at his best, the Argentina international scored his side's only goal of the match as they played out a 1-1 draw at the Chase Stadium.

Messi spent about two months on the sidelines for his club side after picking up an injury during the Copa America this summer. He returned to action in September and seems to be working his way to his best form.

Since returning from injury, Messi has made four MLS appearances for the Herons, bagging three goals and an assist. Speaking about the 37-year-old in the lead-up to a league game against Columbus (October 2), Morales said (via Inter Miami News):

"We're used to the fact that Leo is a player who gets into better physical shape as the games go by.

"He did struggle at the beginning [vs Charlotte], we all saw what happened, but then as the game went on, he did very well and he finished strongly. We saw his numbers on the GPS and they were good, well above normal, so let's hope he can build from these numbers."

Messi is a crucial part of Inter Miami's team, having made 16 league appearances this season, finding the net 15 times and providing 10 assists. His efforts have helped the Herons claim the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings.

They're currently eight points clear of second-placed Columbus, who have played a game less.

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Lionel Messi debuts new celebration in Inter Miami's draw with Charlotte

Lionel Messi

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi continued to add to his list of Marvel-based celebrations as he pulled out an Iron Man-themed move after scoring against Charlotte over the weekend. The Argentine placed his arms by his side as the superhero would before he took flight.

Messi has imitated other superheroes from this universe, including Thor and Black Panther. Claiming that his children were the reason behind these celebrations, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner said in August (via The Daily Mail):

"They (Messi's children) came up with the idea and asked that whenever I have a game and score a goal, I do a Marvel superhero celebration. That's how it started and we continued that ritual."

Messi and Co. now have two games in quick succession. First, they have the midweek clash against Columbus (October 2), after which Inter Miami travel to Toronto on Saturday (October 5).