The 36-year-old forward missed Saturday’s MLS clash against DC United with Messi also not being named in Argentina’s international squad for their March friendlies.

With Messi also not expected to feature for Inter Miami this weekend against the New York Red Bulls, the forward is taking his time in recovering from a hamstring injury picked up last week.

Lionel Messi sets Inter Miami return date from injury

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Yet according to journalist Hernan Claus, Messi has earmarked next month’s Champions Cup clash against Mexican side Monterrey as the game he will return to Inter Miami from injury.

As per Claus, Messi believes the recovery is ‘going well’ with the forward yesterday doing individual training at Inter Miami’s campus away from the remaining senior players not on international duty.

Indeed, Messi returning for next month’s continental clash would be huge for Tata Martino’s side, who has made winning the Champions Cup a priority for the Herons.

And with Inter Miami being smart about Messi’s recovery, there’s a good chance that the Argentine could be fully fit enough to take on the Mexican side in their own stadium in what will be a history fixture.

Inter Miami need talismanic attacker back for Monterrey clash

Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images
Inter Miami have started the MLS season in fine form with the Herons already looking like early favorites to win the Supporters Shield and to qualify for the post-season playoffs.

Which is why the Florida franchise will be hopeful that Messi can be fit enough in time to start against Monterrey, a game that will be massive for Inter Miami and their hopes of early silverware this season.

A continental title would send a huge message across the soccer world that Inter Miami are here to take on anyone and everyone, with Messi on their side to challenge all foes.