Lionel Messi has been spotted back in Inter Miami training after Argentina made the decision to not name the forward in their recent squad due to injury.

The 36-year-old attacker picked up a hamstring problem in Inter Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup tie against Nashville SC, with Messi coming off early in the second-half.

Inter Miami were without the reigning Ballon d’Or winner in their 3-1 win against DC United on Saturday, and fears have been mounting that Messi could be out for longer than expected.

Lionel Messi spotted in Inter Miami training after Argentina injury blow

With reports suggesting that Messi could be fit enough for Inter Miami to feature against New York City FC at the end of this month, there’s a real chance that the attacker could be back to full fitness in a matter of days.

Moreover, with Messi no expected to travel to New Jersey this weekend to face the New York Red Bulls, the attacker will have even more time to rest and recover from his latest injury.

Indeed, Inter Miami are being smart about how much they use Messi after the mistakes made last season, and giving the forward as much time to return to full health is a wise idea from the Herons.

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Lionel Messi returning to training is huge for Inter Miami

Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images
Messi missing out on international duty is already quite the result for Inter Miami in their bid to claim early season success via the Champions Cup.

Yet the attacker returning to training already is an even bigger boost for the Herons, who could have Messi back to full fitness as early as the end of this month.

Whilst resting Messi for the Red Bulls clash this weekend is a wise idea, Inter Miami need to ensure that they’re not overworking the forward, who is too important to lose at this stage in the season.