The Digest:
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has returned to full training, easing concerns ahead of Saturday's Major League Soccer season opener against LAFC. The defending MLS Cup champions' preparations were clouded after Messi was substituted early in a preseason friendly with a left hamstring strain. However, the 38-year-old was seen participating fully in Wednesday's training session alongside new signing Germán Berterame, with whom he had already shown promising chemistry before the injury. While manager Javier Mascherano may manage minutes carefully, all signs point to Messi traveling to Los Angeles for the match. Even if not starting, he could feature as a substitute. The club's priority remains his long-term fitness, especially ahead of this summer's World Cup, expected to be his last with Argentina.
Key Points:
- Messi's availability is crucial for Inter Miami's title defence and MLS Cup aspirations.
- His presence boosts ticket sales, viewership, and the league's global profile.
- Miami gains a competitive edge, while LAFC faces the challenge of containing the legend.
- This signals the importance of managing star players' minutes for long-term goals.
- The timing, with the World Cup approaching, influences workload decisions.
Sources: Pulse Sports, Inter Miami
