Messi was absent from Inter Miami's training session on Wednesday, as they went through their paces ahead of this weekend's clash with Philadelphia Union. The 37-year-old was inside the building instead of working on the grass, and the reason for that has now been explained.

The World Cup winner, and arguably the greatest player of all time, has been dealing with the symptoms of the flu, per Gaston Edul. He has not sustained a further injury to his ankle, which he has been rehabilitating for the last two months, and remains on pace to return in one of the Herons' next two matches.

Messi last played for Miami in June, scoring in a 3-3 draw with St. Louis City. In nine games without him, Inter have embarked on a remarkable run and have won eight of those fixtures.

Miami will hope that Messi is fit to play against Union this weekend but if he isn't, he could instead return against Atlanta United next Thursday.