Lionel Messi Returns to Miami for Training

As Inter Miami CF look to continue their Audi MLS Cup Playoffs push with a Matchday 32 bout at Atlanta United, the availability of Lionel Messi is just one of many storylines surrounding the much-anticipated Eastern Conference clash.

Messi has resumed training with the club after returning from a well-traveled stint on international duty with Argentina, which would seem to bode well for his chances of featuring in the match, though head coach Tata Martino stopped short of confirming as much when discussing Messi’s status on Friday. He exited early from Argentina’s World Cup qualifying win over Ecuador after hitting a trademark free-kick golazo, before traveling but getting left out of the matchday squad for last Tuesday’s subsequent trip to Bolivia.

“He’s fine, but we’re going to wait until after the training session before making a definitive decision,” Martino said. “Obviously we’ll be very careful because we’re aware of the amount of important games awaiting us in the short term, but our idea is not to injure Leo or any other player, so we’ll have discussions on a day-to-day basis and see how they feel.”