‘Give Eguavoen the Nigeria permanent job, Napoli will regret their actions on Osimhen’ 

Harry who?! Watkins makes England case as Kane watches on

Bet9ja Promotion Code B9GOAL in November 2024: Get 170% Multiple Boost

How it feels to beat Lionel Messi

Why Man Utd & Liverpool both want Argentine teen Soler

Nigeria qualify for 2025 Afcon but Nwabali loses his father 

Vini's nightmare goes on as Brazil drop more WCQ points

Where's Leo?! Messi invisible as Argentina upset by Paraguay

Amorim told he's already made his first mistake at Man Utd

Jones exactly what England need as Carsley does Tuchel big favour

🎥 | No clean sheet for Rwanda's Ntwari yet again as Nigeria fans slam Nwabali 

Top 25 African players of the 21st century - ranked

Ronaldo stunner the cherry on top for five-star Portugal 

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Messi sidelined since Copa America final</li><li>Left out of Argentina's September games</li><li>Potential return fixture revealed</li></ul>

Potential Lionel Messi return date revealed with Inter Miami 'not in a hurry' to reintegrate eight-time Ballon d'Or winner despite his ankle being 'fine'

World Cup Qualification CONMEBOL

Argentina

Peru

Messi has been out of action since the Copa America final on July 14, during which the Argentina star <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-lionel-messi-ankle-swells-size-golf-ball-argentina-inter-miami-superstar-tears-injury-copa-america-final-colombia/bltfebca9f5b14d26cd" target="_blank">was left in tears after tearing ligaments in his right ankle</a>. This week it was announced that the Inter Miami forward <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-argentina-world-cup-qualifiers-chile-colombia-inter-miami-injury/blt97c7c25fcd7cd9a2#cs4dad63590d12b207" target="_blank">will miss his country's World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Chile</a> in September, and he's set to sit out a few more games for his club as well.

WHAT HAPPENED?

According to <a href="https://www.ole.com.ar/seleccion/comoestamessiseleccion_0_Fftwo69Oz9.html" target="_blank">Olé,</a> the news surrounding Messi is positive. The 37-year-old is set to intensify his rehabilitation in the next few days, with the next stage in his recovery involving a return to training with his Inter Miami teammates. Messi's ankle is reportedly fine - he's followed his treatment plan diligently - but the Herons are 'not in a hurry' to bring him back. Their fixture at home to Philadelphia Union on September 14 is seen as a potential return date.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Some even dream that Messi will be ready before the Philadelphia Union game. But Inter Miami have a long-term outlook on their star man's recovery and want him ready for the end of the season. Gerardo Martino's side currently lead MLS' Eastern Conference standings and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/inter-miami-mls-cup-lionel-messi/bltd84a748ef8b1b64b" target="_blank">have their sights set on winning the MLS Cup</a>; nursing Messi's return as effectively as possible will be an important factor in that.

DID YOU KNOW?

Inter Miami face FC Cincinnati on August 24, one month after their chastening 6-1 defeat to Pat Noonan's side. We can also expect to see Messi return to training in the near future, which will be a welcome sight for the club.

WHAT NEXT?

Potential Lionel Messi return date revealed with Inter Miami 'not in a hurry' to reintegrate eight-time Ballon d'Or winner despite his ankle being 'fine' | Goal.com Nigeria

Lionel Messi&apos;s potential return date has been revealed as the Inter Miami and Argentina star recovers from an ankle injury.

Potential Lionel Messi return date revealed with Inter Miami &apos;not in a hurry&apos; to reintegrate eight-time Ballon d&apos;Or winner despite his ankle being &apos;fine&apos;