Messi Makes Triumphant Comeback as Inter Miami Battles LA Galaxy

Lionel Messi is anticipated to make his comeback for Inter Miami when they face LA Galaxy this Saturday evening at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

The 38-year-old was absent from Inter Miami's previous two fixtures against Pumas UNAM in the Leagues Cup and Orlando City SC in MLS league action, but is projected to rejoin the starting eleven against the current MLS Cup titleholders. 

"Leo is doing well. He's been participating in team training since Wednesday," Mascherano informed the media. "Unless something unexpected happens today, he should be included in Saturday's matchday roster."

Messi sustained a muscle injury to his right leg during the seventh minute of the Leagues Cup encounter with Necaxa, after falling to the ground while attempting to weave past several defenders. The Argentine star initially played on, but was forced off in the 11th minute following medical attention on the field. 

This campaign, Messi has netted 18 goals to share the lead in the MLS Golden Boot standings with Nashville SC's Sam Surridge, while also recording nine assists for a combined 27 goal involvements across 19 league matches. 

Across all tournaments this season, Messi has featured for more than 85 minutes on 27 occasions. Nevertheless, the extensive playing time and heavy workload were mentioned by co-owner Jorge Mas as the rationale behind his and teammate Jordi Alba's absence from the MLS All-Star Game, resulting in their suspension for the subsequent 1–1 stalemate versus FC Cincinnati. 

Inter Miami will be hoping Messi's return can assist them in recovering from their 4–1 defeat to Orlando, which dropped them to sixth place in the Eastern Conference and brought them within four points of falling outside the top seven positions that advance directly past the MLS Cup Playoffs Wild Card stage. 

Following Saturday's encounter, Miami will have 10 league fixtures left to play, while simultaneously pursuing the organization's second Leagues Cup championship when they meet Tigres UANL in the quarterfinal round on Aug. 20.