Lionel Messi is back on the training field for Inter Miami, just days before the club kicks off its 2026 MLS season against LAFC.
The Argentine superstar returned to full team training Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale, giving the defending MLS champions a major boost ahead of Saturday’s opener in Los Angeles.
Messi back in the mix for LAFC opener
Inter Miami, now coached by former Argentina teammate Javier Mascherano, welcomed back its captain after a recent muscle injury had briefly cast doubt over his availability. The issue surfaced only days ago and even forced the cancellation of a planned match against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico.
On Wednesday, however, Messi was seen training alongside his teammates without restrictions as Inter Miami continued preparations for its season opener against Los Angeles FC.
The match, set for Saturday at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, will mark the start of the 2026 MLS campaign, a season in which Inter Miami aims to defend its title.
Recovery ahead of schedule
Initial reports suggested Messi could be sidelined for roughly two weeks. Instead, his recovery appears to have progressed faster than expected. Just over a week after the injury surfaced, he is back in training and in contention for minutes against LAFC.
Sources around the club expect his reintegration to be gradual this week as the team travels to California. The goal is to have him available, at least in some capacity, for Saturday’s marquee showdown, which could also feature international star Son Heung-min on the opposite side.
If all goes according to plan, Messi would also be eligible to play in the rescheduled friendly against Independiente del Valle on Feb. 26 in Puerto Rico.
For MLS and Apple TV audiences in the United States, the prospect of a fully fit Messi to open the season is exactly the kind of headline-grabbing storyline the league hopes to showcase.
Another boost: Berterame cleared to play
Messi’s return was not the only piece of good news for Inter Miami on Wednesday.
Forward Germán Berterame is now officially available after receiving his U.S. work visa. The Argentine-born striker had been unable to train fully with the club following his signing due to immigration paperwork delays.
With his visa approved, Berterame is eligible to make his MLS debut Saturday against LAFC, giving Mascherano another attacking option as Inter Miami begins its title defense.
Between Messi’s rapid recovery and Berterame’s clearance, the defending champions head into opening weekend with renewed momentum and plenty of star power.