Inter Miami’s star player Lionel Messi is set for another spell on the sidelines nursing an ankle issue and he missed training today due to flu-like symptoms. People have been eagerly waiting for him to make his comeback for the last match of the season especially the decisive match against Philadelphia Union, but now, this news has raised questions about his possible participation.

Lionel Messi, the Argentine star who has missed the Copa America final still remains a subject of debate among the fans and analysts. Given that the season of Major League Soccer is gaining momentum, the state of affairs of Messi can greatly affect Miami’s chances of entering the playoffs.

The team and its recent performances look promising, though one can still see the lack of Messi in the key matches. With the youth talent flooding into the league in recent time, the expectations for Inter Miami couldn’t be any higher. Messi’s fitness is an important factor during a time which may see the team play numerous matches; what is more, his performance boosts the morale of the young players who look up to him.

Currently, the club medical personnel is doing everything possible to get Messi back on his feet; the best treatments and physiotherapy are being used. But given the type of his injury and the aggravating factor of illness it has proved hard to set a definite time within which he would be back on the field. The coaching staff is confronted with the dilemma of developing strategies that may be effective with or without the super star.

Such uncertainty has created so much speculation on possible tactical changes and the part to be played by other members of the squad. Off the field, the absence of Messi has hit the commercial side of football whereby ticket sales and merchandise depend on the performance of the player.

The front office of the club is trying to keep the fans’ expectations in check as well as to keep the fans engaged during this period of time. The games are coming thick and fast and every team is desperate for points and Messi could be that spark that Inter Miami need to secure their playoff spots.