Inter Miami dealt potential blow as Lionel Messi misses training ahead of Philadelphia clash - Reports

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has reportedly suffered a setback in his return to action from injury. The 37-year-old has been out of action for nearly two months since injuring his ankle on international duty.

Messi sustained the injury in Argentina's 1-0 extra-time victory in Miami over Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final in July, coming off midway through the second half.

Since then, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has missed eight games across competitions. That includes four games in the Leagues Cup, where the Herons' title defence ended with a 3-2 defeat at Columbus despite leading 2-0.

The Herons have won all four league games without their talismanic captain, who was reported by GOAL to be available for their next outing with Philadelphia (home) on September 14.

However, as per Deporte Total USA, Messi didn't attend the Herons' training session on Wednesday and is doubtful for the Philadelphia game, tweeting (as translated to English):

"Lionel Messi and Matías Rojas were absent from Inter Miami's training session this morning. Both remain in doubt for this weekend's match pending confirmation of their status. The team could not confirm Lionel Messi's status at this time."

In Messi's absence from club duty since June - when he departed for international duty - the Herons have fared really well, especially in the league, where they are eight points clear atop the MLS Eastern Conference after 27 games.

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What Inter Miami midfielder Julian Gressel has said about Lionel Messi's return from injury

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi (left)

Inter Miami midfielder Julian Gressel is optimistic of Lionel Messi's return to action following his long injury layoff. Apparently, the Argentina international isn't 'limping' anymore as he prepares for his first Herons game in three months.

In the Player/Manager podcast (as per GOAL), Gressel said that Messi has been partaking in team training as he expressed hope to see the 37-year-old in action for the next game:

“He’s not really limping anymore. He’s been part of team training, but I think it was a little bit too early, that Chicago game for him. I think he ultimately made the decision to just give it another couple of weeks because now we have the international break, and he’s with the national team.

“I expect him to be part of the team in this next game. I think it’s something that is realistic where we’ll have two weeks of full training. At times, he’s still a little bit limited, obviously, but I think that they’re being cautious with him and seeing how he feels on a daily basis. It’s still somewhat day-to-day."

Messi has contributed 14 goals and 11 assists in 15 games across competitions in what has been an injury-plagued first full season in American football with the Herons.