Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino said on Friday that Lionel Messi will return to the team's lineup before the end of the 2024 MLS season.

Messi has been out since suffering an ankle ligament injury during the Copa América final on July 14 as Argentina beat Colombia. He was also left off the national team's roster for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia in September.

Martino said that Messi has been doing individual work for the last few days after solely working out in the gym.

Martino couldn't put an exact timeline on when Messi would return, only saying, "it is not a situation that is too far away."

Messi last played for Inter Miami on June 1 before leaving for international duty ahead of Copa América. During his absence, the Herons have gone 8-3-0 in all competitions. They were knocked out in the Round of 16 of Leagues Cup by the Columbus Crew, ending their hopes of winning the tournament for the second season in a row.

Inter Miami currently leads MLS with 53 points and a 16-4-5 record and can clinch a playoff spot Saturday night against FC Cincinnati. The postseason is set to begin Oct. 26.