Messi returns to limited training at Inter Miami after ankle injury

Superstar Lionel Messi returned to training with Inter Miami on a limited basis on Wednesday as he continues to recover from an ankle injury sustained over a month ago. The athlete reported.

“We have developed specific drills that would allow him to have some level of participation,” coach Tata Martino told the outlet. “But he still doesn't have medical clearance (to play).”

Martino said there was no change to the schedule and Messi would return to action sometime before the end of the regular season on October 19 against the New England Revolution.

Messi, 37, has been out of action since sustaining an ankle injury in the Copa America final against Colombia on July 14.

Inter Miami (17-4-5, 56 points) is eight points ahead of FC Cincinnati in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, even though Messi has not played since June 1. In 12 regular-season games (11 starts), he has scored 12 goals and 13 assists.

Inter Miami, which has already secured a spot in the postseason, visits Chicago Fire on Saturday.