Before the match between Inter Miami and Toronto in the Leagues Cup, coach Gerardo Martino mentioned Lionel Messi’s recovery process, revealing the time of his return.

Lionel Messi continues to recover from a ligament injury in his right ankle in the 2024 Copa America final. Meanwhile, his team, Inter Miami, are preparing for their next challenge in the Leagues Cup, where they will win the title in 2023. Ahead of the clash with Toronto FC, coach Gerardo Martino spoke about the condition of the Argentine star.

“Leo is fine, improving every day. He is still working out, but he looks better and better,” Tata said at a press conference a day before hosting the Canadian team. “It is within the time frame we had in mind.”

Coach Martino believes Messi is improving every day.

In the first half of the final against Colombia, Messi sprained his right ankle, forcing him to leave the field in the second half. After the tears of disappointment due to injury came joy with Lautaro Martinez’s goal, helping Argentina win their fourth title.

Two days later, Messi’s diagnosis was made known, with Inter Miami reporting that it was a ligament injury in his right ankle. “The captain’s availability will depend on periodic assessments and his recovery progress,” the club said in a statement.

From there, Messi began his recovery and in one of his first public appearances, he was seen wearing a protective boot, on July 20, when he was honored by Inter Miami for his new contribution to Argentina. This was during a match against Chicago Fire FC at Chase, the new name of the Florida team’s stadium.

Messi wears protective shoes when honored by Inter Miami on July 20

Regarding the possibility of Messi returning to the field, journalist Gaston Edul, who covers the Argentine team for TyC Sports, assured that La Pulga will be able to play in early September for the club and this will allow him to be ready for the next match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on September 5 against Chile in Buenos Aires and 4 days later against Colombia in Barranquilla.

Argentina are leading the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with 15 points after six matches, including five wins and one defeat, including a home defeat to Uruguay, who are second with 13 points.