Inter Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino confirmed that Lionel Messi will be available to play against Philadelphia Union on Saturday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Messi is expected to return to action for Miami after suffering a right ankle sprain during the 2024 Copa América final on July 14.

“He’s fine,” Martino said. “He started training again yesterday. He’s scheduled for tomorrow’s match and after training we’ll decide the strategy for him, but he’s available. We’re going to have the best player in the world in the team again, so we’re all happy with that situation.”

Messi was concerned about his availability after missing training on Wednesday with a sore throat, but Martino has since explained that his illness only lasted one day. He returned to the field on Thursday and took part in training on Friday morning.

“Yes (there was concern), because it coincided a bit with everything that was happening, like the recovery of his ankle and the throat condition he had, which prevented him from training,” Martino said.

“But he trained quite well and we always thought Philadelphia was the game to come back to. Fortunately, it was only one day. He trained normally yesterday; we just take into account what happened to determine the strategy for tomorrow.”

Inter Miami currently top the Supporters’ Shield and the Eastern Conference with 59 points from 27 games and are on course to break the Major League Soccer record for most points in a single regular season.

The team previously secured a spot in the 2024 MLS playoffs and returned to the playoffs after failing to qualify in 2023.