For the first time in his 20-year career, Lionel Messi went two months without playing a match after injuring his right ankle in the 2024 Copa América final against Colombia. The Argentine star underwent a lengthy and meticulous recovery process due to the severity of the injury, but his return to the field is now closer than ever.

Messi did not join Argentina for the FIFA break, giving him two additional weeks to recover. Although he returned to training before the break, he suffered a setback during one of the sessions. On Wednesday, Inter Miami opened part of its training session to the media, but Messi was notably absent, raising questions about his availability.

When will Messi be back in action?

The question is becoming increasingly frequent, but rushing the Inter Miami star is not advisable. Miami’s next game is at home against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, September 14. It was anticipated that Messi might be available for Gerardo Martino’s squad, but his status remains uncertain, and if included in the roster, it’s unclear whether he would start or come off the bench for his first minutes since the Copa América.

How long has Messi been out?

Messi has not played since July 14, when Argentina faced Colombia in the Copa América final. It was in that match that Messi sustained his ankle injury, and images of the damage sparked concern.

Messi's return will also be significant for the Argentina national team, which could have him available for the final four World Cup qualifiers this year. Argentina aims to secure qualification, which they can mathematically achieve with 10 points out of the 12 remaining.

Meanwhile, Messi will rejoin an Inter Miami side that has excelled in his absence, clinching a playoff spot and nearing first place in the Eastern Conference, a historic milestone for the club in its brief history.