Messi ready to return after two months of absence

Lionel Messi © Getty Images

Lionel Messi is expected to return to action for his club, Inter Miami, on Saturday after spending more than two months out with an ankle injury, Miami coach Gerardo Martino said Friday.

“Yes, he is fine,” Martino said ahead of Friday’s training. “He trained (Thursday), he is in the plans for the match. After training we will determine the strategy for him, but he is available,” the Argentine added.

Eastern Conference leader and overall leader Inter Miami hosts the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.

Messi injured his right ankle in the Copa America final on July 14 while helping Argentina to victory over Colombia.

He missed eight MLS games for his club and this month’s World Cup qualifiers for his country.

“To have the best player in the world back in our team, which was already on a good run, we are all very happy with this situation,” Martino said.