Lionel Messi Fitness Update Delivered by Inter Miami Boss Ahead of New MLS Season

Lionel Messi looks set to be fit for the start of the 2024 MLS campaign despite an injury-disrupted pre-season. Messi had been troubled by a hamstring injury.

Lionel Messi looks set to be fit for the start of the 2024 Major League Soccer campaign despite an injury-disrupted pre-season.

Messi missed Miami's 4-1 win over a Hong Kong Premier League XI on February 4 with a hamstring injury.

He was also restricted to short cameos against Al Nassr and Vissel Kobe during Miami's tour of Asia.

But the 36-year-old started Thursday's 1-1 draw against Newell's Old Boys.

Messi was taken off after an hour but Miami head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino later confirmed that the substitution had been pre-planned and that his star player was on track to play against Real Salt Lake next Wednesday (February 21) in the MLS season opener.

“Our plan was for Leo to play 45 to 60 minutes and he played almost 60 and felt good," Martino told reporters.

"The way he was playing, the way he accelerated, it looked like he is fully recovered. The idea is for him to be ready for the 21st."

Miami played seven pre-season friendlies, winning one, drawing three and losing three.

Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino (left) and club captain Lionel Messi pictured earlier this month during a pre-season game in Japan :: IMAGO/AFLOSPORT