Messi returns to the field after two months of absence due to injury

Argentine star Lionel Messi, the player of the American football team Inter Miami, will return to the stadiums on Saturday after an absence of more than two months due to an ankle injury, according to what his Argentine coach Gerardo Martino announced on Friday.

"Yes, he is fine. He trained (Thursday) and he is included in the match plans. After training we will set a strategy for him, but he is available," Martino said before the start of today's training session.

Inter Miami, the leader of the Eastern Conference and the overall standings, hosts the 11th-placed Philadelphia Union on Saturday.

Messi injured his right ankle during the Copa America final on July 14 when he helped Argentina beat Colombia 1-0.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has missed a record eight MLS games, as well as his country's 2026 World Cup qualifiers this month.

"To have the best player in the world back, who was already in good shape, we are all happy with this situation," Martino added.

(Agencies)