Lionel Messi may return to Major League Soccer on Saturday to strengthen Inter Miami’s playoff aspirations. After returning from international duty with Argentina last month, Messi has played just 37 minutes for his team since September 3. Miami lost the US Open Cup final to Houston and were winless in their last three league games without him. Miami lost 4-1 to Chicago without the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner on Wednesday, but he was picked in Argentina’s South American World Cup qualifying roster the next day.
That raised hopes that he may play Eastern Conference leaders Cincinnati on Saturday, especially when he trained on Thursday and Friday.
Assistant coach Javier Morales didn’t say if Messi would start, as was the case during the injury crisis.
More of the same. He must be assessed daily. He trained yesterday and will train today before we decide. He improves daily, he told reporters.
Messi is essential if Miami wants to make the playoffs, which is doubtful.
Five points behind ninth place in the Eastern Conference, Gerardo Martino’s team is second to last with three games left.
Miami has a game in hand on all but one of their opponents for that slot, but they need other results to win.
Cincinnati leads MLS after winning the Supporters’ Shield for the greatest regular season record and the first seed and home field advantage in the playoffs.
After reaching their goal, they rested key players for Wednesday’s 2-1 home loss to New York Red Bulls.
With the international break approaching, coach Pat Noonan must decide whether to return his starting for the Fort Lauderdale encounter.
“You have to… take what’s in the best interest of the individual player and their health so that we can go through the stretch with as many healthy bodies as possible,” he stated after the Red Bulls win.
Saturday marks the last weekend of action for most MLS teams, with positions in the playoffs and a top four finish and home field advantage in the first round still at stake.
Two East berths and three West spots remain.
The eighth place club in each conference will host a single-game wildcard match against the ninth placer this season.
Champions advance to round one, a best-of-three series. First and, if necessary, third games are at home for the top four.
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MLS Cup, conference semi-finals, and finals are single games.