Lionel Messi can play for Supporters’ Shield leaders Inter Miami CF against the visiting Philadelphia Union on Saturday, but it’s not clear how boss Tata Martino will use his star player.
Messi hasn’t played for Miami (18-4-5, 59 points) since June 1, and he hasn’t played in any games since July 14, when he hurt his ankle ligaments in Argentina’s Copa America final win over Colombia.
Before Miami’s 4-1 win over Chicago on August 31, Messi returned to the full team. During the September international window, he stayed with the Herons instead of playing for Argentina in two World Cup qualifiers.
“Yes, he’s fine now,” Martino told the Spanish-language press on Friday. “He went back to training yesterday, and he’s being considered for Saturday’s game.” Our plan for him will be clear after today’s meeting, but he’s free to meet with us.
The Herons have won eight of their last nine games, even without Messi. They are seven points ahead of the Los Angeles Galaxy in the race for the Shield and have a game in hand. They are also eight points ahead of Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference race. With 16 goals, Luis Suarez is just two behind the league leader, having scored twice against Chicago.
Philadelphia, in 11th place (7-11-9, 30 points), is trying to get back into the East playoff race after beating the New York Red Bulls 2-0 two weeks ago. One big reason why the Union is rising is the rise of Tai Baribo.
The Israeli player has scored 12 goals in his last 11 games, including seven in the league. He also helped the Union finish fourth in the Leagues Cup.
The 26-year-old picked up a minor hamstring injury while playing for Israel during the September international window. However, boss Jim Curtin said it seems to be less serious than first thought.
It was a surprise that he trained well the last two days. Curtin said, “He feels good and is ready to go and help.”
A hip injury that keeper Andre Blake got while playing for Jamaica is bothering him again. He is “day-to-day,” Curtin said. The Union’s three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year has only played in eight league games this season.