Messi back in training: Inter Miami to decide if he is fit to play vs New York City FC

The club will decide whether or not Messi is fit enough to feature in their huge MLS game against NYCFC.

Diego GorostietaDiegsGorostietaJoe Brennanj4brennanUpdate: Sep 29th, 2023 12:23 EDT

CHRIS ARJOONAFP

Inter Miami know that there is no margin for error and Saturday could be the last great opportunity for the side to continue their dream to make the playoff line in the Eastern Conference table: they are set to take on NYCFC at the DRV PNK Stadium – but will Messi play?

On Friday, The Herons carried out their final training session ahead of the mammoth clash against the team placed 9th in the standings. The doubts still surround Lionel Messi and his fitness, given that the player has been on the sidelines for the last two games, including a defeat in the US Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo.

Gracias por el apoyo #LaFamiliaIMCF 💗🖤 pic.twitter.com/Zr63gl0QJL

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) September 28, 2023

‘We’ll see if he’s available for tomorrow, which is what we all want’

Ahead of the training session, Inter Miami’s technical assistant, Javi Morales, attended the media and assured that Friday would be the day when the decision was made regarding Messi’s participation in the game. The Argentine will undergo medical tests to determine his fitness levels to see if he is match fit and ready to feature.

“Leo’s case is very specific”, said Morales, “we’re going day by day, we were trying until the last minute to see if he could get on for a few minutes in the final, but he couldn’t, so it’s about communication with the doctors and above all Messi himself to see how he feels. Today for sure he’ll try out and we’ll see if he’s available for tomorrow, which is what we all want.”

Jordi Alba suffers a hamstring injury

Morales also confirmed that left-back Jordi Alba has suffered hamstring damage, which is why he will be out for a slightly longer time than Messi. “With Jordi [the recovery time] is a bit longer than with Leo, his injury is a hamstring so he won’t be here for the weekend.”

👀 SALE MESSI!Lionel Messi walked out onto the training field during the final seconds of availability that media was allowed to watch practice.#InterMiamiCF #Messi𓃵 pic.twitter.com/8Hi3Bia4zN

— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) September 29, 2023

Messi spotted at Miami training