Lionel Messi ‘expected to RETURN for Inter Miami’s crucial MLS game vs. Toronto on Wednesday’ after missing defeat by Atlanta United with ‘muscle fatigue’

Lionel Messi is expected to return for Inter Miami’s MLS match against Toronto on Wednesday night, according to reports.

The 36-year-old missed the team’s 5-2 loss at Atlanta on Saturday due to what coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino described as “muscle fatigue.”

The loss further dented Miami’s hopes of reaching the playoffs, but Messi participated fully in practice on Tuesday and ESPN report that the Argentina international will feature in the crucial MLS match.

Messi has not played for Miami since September 4 after taking international duty and missing both Atlanta’s loss and the team’s win over Kansas City.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Martino did not confirm whether Messi or Jordi Alba – who also missed the loss to Atlanta – would be available to face the Canadian team.

“Messi and Alba will train today during the whole session with the team, and after that we will see if they are available to play and to what extent,” Martino said.

“Starting Wednesday, we have six matches in 18 days, one match every three days, including the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup final.

“We have a lot of important matches in a short period of time, and one of my responsibilities as a coach is to take care of my players and help them make the difficult decisions that will give us the best chance to keep everyone healthy during this busy time. run.’