• Source:JND
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Lionel Messi has been cleared to play again after recovering from a two-month ankle injury, and Inter Miami has confirmed that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will return to the lineup on Saturday when the team hosts Philadelphia.

Inter Miami coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino announced on Friday that Messi is "available" for selection, but he did not specify whether the star forward will start the match, come off the bench, or if his minutes will be managed with a restriction.

Messi's return comes at a crucial time as Inter Miami continues to dominate Major League Soccer, holding the best record in the league. Despite missing nine consecutive MLS matches and 15 games overall this season, Inter Miami has secured a playoff berth, and Messi's comeback promises to further bolster their title aspirations.

Messi's most recent appearance for Inter Miami was June 1, missing time first while playing for Argentina in the Copa America tournament and then because of the ankle issue.

Messi was injured while playing for Argentina in the Copa America final on July 14. He returned to group training with Inter Miami late last month, and because of a break for ongoing World Cup qualifying matches the team hasn't played in two weeks — buying him some more time for recovery and conditioning.

Messi has 12 goals and 13 assists in 12 MLS games this season. Despite missing basically half of Inter Miami's games, his 13 assists are third-most in MLS and he's tied for 13th in goals.

Inputs from AP