Published : 16 Aug 2025, 05:45 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 01:39 PM
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi is ready to return from injury for Saturday's match against the Los Angeles Galaxy in Fort Lauderdale, Fla, head coach Javier Mascherano said Friday.
The 38-year-old forward missed the Herons' last two matches with a right leg injury sustained in the first half of a Leagues Cup win against Necaxa on Aug 2.
Messi returned to training earlier this week.
"Leo is fine," Mascherano said. "He's been with the team since Wednesday. We believe that if nothing unusual happens, he'll be called up for tomorrow's game."
Messi is tied with Nashville's Sam Surridge in the race for the MLS Golden Boot with 18 goals. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner from Argentina also has 10 assists in 17 MLS matches this season.
Miami (12-5-6, 42 points) enters the weekend in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings, currently six points above the playoff cutline. The Herons also have reached the Leagues Cup quarterfinals.
