The football world is eagerly awaiting Lionel Messi's return to the pitch. While he won’t be playing for Argentina, his comeback could be sooner than expected.

This is how Messi’s ankle looked 📸

“He always wants to play, and it’s been a long time since he faced such a long period of inactivity,” a source close to Messi told Infobae, which reported that the number "10" is recovering "on schedule" and, barring any setbacks, could return to action on Saturday, September 14, when Inter Miami faces the Philadelphia Union at Chase Stadium.

Now, it remains to be seen whether Gerardo Martino and his coaching staff will decide to start Messi or bring him off the bench; the decision will depend on his recovery.

As for the national team, as Lionel Scaloni mentioned, we might see Messi back for matchdays 9 and 10 in October, when Argentina faces Venezuela away and Bolivia at home at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental. It’s worth noting that Messi had hoped to play in this FIFA window, but the timing didn’t work in his favor.

What is Lionel Messi's injury?

The Argentine number "10" suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle during the Copa América final against Colombia. This injury has sidelined him for an extended period, keeping him out of action for both his club and the national team, and also led him to give up his captain’s armband.