“Lionel Messi available for decisive match of Inter Miami.”

Lionel Messi could finally return to play for Inter Miami this Saturday when the team faces Columbus Crew. After a break following the World Cup, Messi and his teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, joined training on Friday, marking their return to action since the Major League Soccer season resumed. Both are listed as available for selection for Saturday's match.

Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos expressed his satisfaction with the players' return. “He (Messi) arrived not long ago, so we haven't had the chance to talk properly about it. But we are happy that he and De Paul are back,” Hoyos told reporters. Inter Miami, boasting an impressive record of 11 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses, is chasing its seventh consecutive victory, a streak that began on May 9.

The team is just two points behind Nashville SC in the race for the 2024 Supporters' Shield. New signing, Brazilian Casemiro, will make his first home appearance after debuting in the 1-0 victory over Montreal last Saturday. Luis Suárez, in great form, scored the decisive goal and has three goals in two matches since returning from the break. In the last three matches, Suárez has already netted six goals.

On the other hand, Columbus Crew, which has a record of 5 wins, 8 draws, and 4 losses, has not had a season that meets its expectations, but comes off a 2-1 victory over FC Cincinnati in the “Hell is Real” derby. The team is about to lose winger Max Arfsten, who will transfer to Middlesbrough in the English Premier League for a transfer fee of $7.5 million, including bonuses.

However, the Crew is hopeful about the availability of midfielder Taha Habroune, who suffered a hard knock from Gerardo Valenzuela of Cincinnati, leading to an altercation between the teams after the match. Habroune, who has already contributed one goal and one assist this season, has started 13 of Columbus's games in MLS. Interim coach Laurent Courtois commented that Habroune “is limping a bit” and “feels pain when trying to change direction, but he managed to train.”

With Messi back in the team, Inter Miami hopes to solidify its position in the standings and continue its impressive winning streak. The match against Columbus Crew promises to be an interesting test, especially considering the recent performances of both teams.