Despite not being part of the Inter Miami CF team in the US Cup final, Lionel Messi will return to action at the end of the Major League Soccer (MLS) season.
That’s what head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said on Wednesday after his team lost 2-1 to Houston Dynamo.
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“It is absolutely certain that he will play until the end of the campaign,” said the man, whose comments were reported by USA Today.
“We will take it one game at a time and see when our medical staff gives us the clearance so that he can play without too much risk.”
Messi is suffering from a right thigh muscle injury. He was forced to abandon the September 20 game against Toronto FC in the first half. Martino had suggested that the soccer superstar’s discomfort was caused by scar tissue from a previous injury.
Messi has put in a sensational performance since joining the MLS side in July. In 12 games, the Argentine found the net eleven times and provided five assists. In particular, he ensured that Inter Miami CF won the League Cup in August.
The Florida club will return to action this Saturday when they host New York City FC (NYCFC). There are five games left in the regular season for Inter Miami CF, who are trying to move up the rankings to take part in the playoffs.
Messi’s team is five points behind CF Montreal and NYCFC, the teams that occupy the final two places in the Eastern Conference after the season.