Lionel Messi anticipated to make a comeback for Inter Miami’s pivotal MLS match against Toronto on Wednesday, following prior absence due to muscle fatigue.

Lionel Messi is expected to return for Inter Miami’s MLS game with Toronto on Wednesday night, according to reports.

The 36-year-old missed the team’s 5-2 loss at Atlanta on Saturday with what coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino described as ‘muscle fatigue’. 

The defeat further dented Miami’s hopes of reaching the playoffs but Messi took a full part in training on Tuesday and ESPN report that the Argentina international will feature in the crucial MLS game.

Messi has not played for Miami since September 4 after going on international duty and missing both the Atlanta defeat and the team’s victory over Kansas City. 

In a statement on Tuesday, Martino would not confirm whether Messi or Jordi Alba – who also missed the defeat by Atlanta – would be available to face the Canadian side. 

‘Messi and Alba will train in the full session today with the team, and after that we’ll see if they’re available to play and to what extent,’ Martino said.

‘Beginning on Wednesday, we have six matches in 18 days, which is one match every three days, including the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final.

‘We have a lot of important matches in a short window of time, and one of my responsibilities as the coach is to care for my players and help them make the hard decisions that will give us the best chance of keeping everyone healthy during this busy run.’