“Messi has recovered both physically and mentally. However, the doctors have not yet given him permission to return to play this weekend.
We will review the situation and evaluate all possibilities to see if he can go to Chicago or not,” coach Tata Martino said at a press conference on August 31.
This weekend, Inter Miami will play Chicago Fire FC away at 7:30 a.m. on September 1 in the MLS.
According to coach Tata Martino: “This is an injury that Messi has been dealing with for more than 6 weeks,
so he needs to be fully recovered, calm and safe before we make a final decision about his return to play.”
“Messi started training a few weeks ago, initially with the medical team and the fitness coach, then he gradually joined some parts of the training sessions with the team.
We are still evaluating his progress,” coach Tata Martino explained, clarifying that the much-anticipated return of the Inter Miami captain is getting closer.
Coach Tata Martino also said that if Messi does not participate in the match against Chicago Fire FC, the famous player will almost certainly participate in the next match against Philadelphia Union at 6:30 a.m. on September 15 at home.
“Our goal is to win the Supporters’ Shield (a title awarded to the team with the best record in the MLS scoring round). If we think we can relax just because we have qualified for the playoffs, it will be a big mistake. That kind of thinking can make us enter the playoffs in poor form,” coach Tata Martino shared.
Inter Miami are currently leading the MLS Eastern Conference standings with 56 points and have already qualified for the MLS Cup playoffs at the end of October. They are aiming to top the Eastern Conference standings and win the Supporters’ Shield with eight games remaining.
“In MLS, you don’t have many easy games. Chicago Fire FC beat us 4-1 last season, and they are still fighting for a playoff spot. We also have many goals to strive for – not in terms of titles, but to achieve our goals,” coach Tata Martino emphasized before the goal of needing to beat Chicago Fire FC to “avenge” last season’s loss, and continue to maintain their current form ahead of the MLS Cup playoffs and the return of Messi.
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Source: USA Today
