Lionel Messi has finally overcome an anxious period for fans following a muscle injury and has returned to training with the team, as he prepares for the first match of the new Major League Soccer season against Los Angeles FC this weekend.
The 38-year-old felt muscle tightness in his left leg during a preseason friendly against Barcelona SC in Ecuador—an episode that forced him to leave the pitch and miss training sessions in the days that followed.
The club officially confirmed that the Argentine superstar did not take part in training for several consecutive days, while his return was expected on a day-to-day basis, depending on his clinical and functional progress.
Because of the injury, Inter Miami even postponed a friendly match in Puerto Rico, reports Gazeta Express.
Messi then missed the early preseason preparations, casting doubt over the captain’s availability for the first official match of the season.
However, recent reports indicate that Messi has fully returned to training with the squad and has been working with the group since Wednesday under the guidance of head coach Javier Mascherano.
He was seen training with his teammates without restrictions, following the full team program.
His recovery has come sooner than initially expected, putting him in contention for Saturday’s clash against LAFC.
Messi is expected to gradually increase his match minutes in order to maintain his fitness and avoid the risk of a relapse.
This return is major news for the coach and fans of the reigning MLS champions, especially for Messi himself, who remains the team’s leader and most important attacking figure.
His presence on the pitch could make a significant difference against a top rival like LAFC, where another football star, Son Heung-min, is also expected to feature.
Inter Miami will play at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday evening in the opening match of the 2026 MLS season.
Messi’s return, even if with limited minutes, remains one of the key talking points of the match and a major boost for both the fans and the team.
