It’s almost as if Lionel Messi has somehow dropped off the radar. Inter Miami is just one month away from closing in on their MLS playoffs but there is still no sign of the Argentinian superstar. The skipper remains out of action due to an ankle injury he sustained during the Copa America final. Though each day has seen him get closer and closer to recovery, the question looms is whether Messi will be appearing against Philadelphia Union.

After sustaining the knock on his leg, the 37-year-old had been training all by himself. Luckily, the following weeks saw him working alongside the whole group. Fellow teammate Julian Gressel remarked that La Pulga has been doing brilliantly in the sessions, adding, “He’s not really limping anymore. He’s been part of team training… At times, he’s still a little bit limited, obviously, but I think that they’re being cautious with him and seeing how he feels on a daily basis. It’s still somewhat day-to-day.”

That sounded good, right? But now, an unfortunate development has surfaced, suggesting he has received another setback during recovery. According to various sources, Leo Messi has suffered from flu since this week’s beginning. It has kept him away from training for the past two or three days. That’s not all, as this latest outcome makes it obvious that Messi won’t be playing tonight against Philadelphia Union.

The Barcelona icon will try to cure his flu at home by taking plenty of rest and fluids. However, the good news is that he has recovered from the ankle injury that kept him out for almost two months of domestic action. Not to mention that in an attempt to make a quick recovery, the former PSG striker even missed the recent September international window.

Yet, it’s almost as if he can’t seem to catch a break as he sustained a flu that keeps him out of the action once again. This forces Inter Miami to again initiate Plan B of finding a win in his absence. To make yourself feel better, consider it done that Messi will feature in the next match. After all, he should, assuming that the Herons are aiming to break a record.

The return of Lionel Messi can help Inter Miami achieve a significant feat!

Though Inter Miami is already qualified for the MLS playoffs, they are just inches away from etching their names in the history books. Apparently, Tata Martino and Co. are in line to break the regular season points record. If they manage to clinch five victories out of the seven remaining matches, then they can take the crown from New England Revolution, who set the record for ending the season with a point tally of 76.

Currently, the David Beckham-backed soccer franchise is sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference with a tally of 59, 8 points clear of the second-placed Cincinnati. However, if they manage to win the required amount of games, they are in for a treat, while also enjoying the MLS Supporters’ Shield. It remains to be seen if the return of Lionel Messi will help them achieve this historic feat.