(Field Level Media) Lionel Messi is available to return for Supporters’ Shield leaders Inter Miami CF in Saturday’s clash against the visiting Philadelphia Union, but it’s unclear how manager Tata Martino will use his biggest star.
Messi hasn’t played for Miami (18-4-5, 59 points) since June 1, nor in any competitive fixtures since sustaining an ankle ligament injury during Argentina’s Copa America final victory over Colombia on July 14.
After returning to full team prior to Miami’s 4-1 win over Chicago on Aug. 31, Messi remained with the Herons during the September international window instead of playing for Argentina in a pair of World Cup qualifiers.
“Yes, he’s fine now,” Martino told reporters Friday, in Spanish. “Yesterday he returned to training, he’s under consideration for (Saturday’s match). We’ll define our strategy for him after today’s session, but he’s available.”
The Herons have won eight of nine matches even without Messi available and hold a seven-point lead and a match in hand on the Los Angeles Galaxy in the Shield race, as well as an eight-point edge over Cincinnati for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Luis Suarez has 16 goals after scoring twice against Chicago and is two off the league lead.
Meanwhile, 11th-place Philadelphia (7-11-9, 30 points) is trying to climb back into the East playoff race following a 2-0 victory at the New York Red Bulls two weekends ago. The emergence of Tai Baribo is a major reason why the Union are ascending.
The Israeli international has seven league goals and 12 in his last 11 competitive fixtures while he helped the Union to their fourth-place finish in the Leagues Cup.
The 26-year-old suffered a minor hamstring injury on duty for Israel during the September international window, but manager Jim Curtin said it appears more minor than first feared.
“He has trained well the last two days, which was surprising. He feels good and ready to go and contribute,” Curtin said.
Goalkeeper Andre Blake is again dealing with a groin injury he aggravated playing for Jamaica and is “day-to-day,” Curtin said. The three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year has played only eight league matches for the Union this season.
