Lionel Messi begins on-pitch training, could join Inter Miami ahead of MLS playoffs

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi began his individual on-field workouts this week and could be ready to join Inter Miami on the field before the end of the MLS regular season, Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said Friday.

Messi, 37, has been sidelined with a right ankle injury since Argentina’s Copa America final win over Colombia on July 14, when he fell in the second half and left the pitch in tears.

Messi will not play when Inter Miami hosts FC Cincinnati on Saturday and has not been named to the Argentina national team’s roster for September’s two World Cup qualifying games. He has not played for Inter Miami since July 1, but Martino said he could soon join the team in full training.

“He is not training with the group. But he is already on the pitch and working with the fitness coaches,” Martino said, “and he is progressing well. It was predictable that he would not be with Argentina because he is not yet able to play.”

Martino added that there was no estimated date for Messi’s return, but it could come before the MLS playoffs, which begin in late October.

Miami, which occupies first place in the Eastern Conference, can clinch a playoff spot with a victory on Saturday.