Lionel Messi remains out of action at Inter Miami, but Drake Callender hopes he will be “back soon” after spending “every day” on injury recovery.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner finds himself stuck on the sidelines after damaging his right ankle in the 2024 Copa America final. He got his hands on more major silverware at that tournament – the 45th trophy of his record-setting career – but has been left watching on from afar since returning to Chase Stadium.
Inter Miami have surrendered their Leagues Cup crown without Messi available, but are hoping to have him back for a charge towards MLS Cup glory. The Argentina international was generating MVP talk before picking up an untimely knock with his country.
Herons goalkeeper Callender has been watching Messi’s rehabilitation at close quarters, with the USMNT hopeful saying of how that process is going: “It’s been unfortunate that we haven’t had Leo the last two months and he’s a player you want on your roster, playing games, helping us win games. But other players have stepped up and helped us out. He’s such a big presence on our team when he’s with us, and even when he’s not playing. He’s in every day, working with trainers and I think it’s important for the guys to see how he takes care of himself and responds to an injury and hopefully, we’ll be able to have him back soon.”
Inter Miami will not be in action again until facing MLS Eastern Conference rivals FC Cincinnati on August 24. No date has been put in place for Messi’s return, but no risks have been taken with his fitness and the mercurial No.10 should be out on the field in the not too distant future.
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