Lionel Messi will start for the first time in three months for Inter Miami when they face the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night.
The Argentinian star has not played for Inter Miami since June 1 and has been out since suffering an ankle ligament injury during the Copa América final on July 14 as Argentina beat Colombia. He was also left off the national team’s roster for their 3-0 win over Chile and 2-1 loss to Colombia during World Cup qualifiers this past week.
Messi has been training and head coach Tata Martino said on Friday that Messi would be involved, but wasn’t sure if he would start or come off the bench.
“Yes, he is fine,” said Martino on Friday via the Miami Herald. “He trained [Thursday], he is in the plans for the game [Saturday]. After training we will figure out the strategy for him, but he is available.”
Martino said in late August that Messi would return before the MLS playoffs begin Oct. 23, but could not give a definitive return date at the time.
During Messi’s absence, Inter Miami has gone 10-3-1 in all competitions. It was knocked out in the Round of 16 of Leagues Cup by the Columbus Crew, ending its hopes of winning the tournament for the second season in a row.
Inter Miami currently leads MLS with 59 points and an 18-4-5 record. It is the only team to have clinched a playoff spot and lead the Los Angeles Galaxy by seven points in the race for the Supporters’ Shield.
“To get back the best player in the world to our team, which was already on a good run, so we are all very happy with this situation,” Martino said.