Watch: Lionel Messi returns to Inter Miami training

Inter Miami have received a major boost ahead of their meeting with Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Lionel Messi has returned to full training and looks set to feature against Rayados on Wednesday.

The Herons have been without Messi since he was substituted early in the second half of their victory over Nashville three weeks ago. Head coach Tata Martino described the issue as an “overload in the right hamstring” but insisted that he would not rush Messi back into the team.

On Tuesday reporter Fernando Petrocelli confirmed that Lionel Messi is back in normal training for Miami and had taken part in the entire session.

The CONCACAF Champions Cup is a major focus for Miami this season. The Herons already find themselves in the quarter-finals of the comPetition and are among the favourites to lift the trophy.

Will Lionel Messi start against Monterrey?

Without Lionel Messi in the team Inter Miami have struggled for form in MLS. Their three Messi-less fixtures have returned just one win and they were hammered by New York Red Bulls in the Argentine’s absence.

His return to the starting XI against Monterrey would be a major boost for Tata Martino’s side but the Miami boss will be extremely reluctant to bring Messi back too soon. The No. 10 has suffered a number of muscular injuries in the past year and Miami will be hoping that he can have an impact in the post-season this year.

Speaking ahead of the CONCACAF clash, Martino told reporters: “We have to think about the entire year and not about a single game... If we understand that the players are at risk, they will surely wait a little longer.”

The first leg of Inter Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final will be held on home turf at Chase Stadium. Messi may well be deemed fit enough to feature off the bench against the Liga MX giants, giving him the chance to ease his way back to full match fitness ahead of the all-important second leg at Estadio BBVA on Wednesday 10 April.