Inter Miami could have Lionel Messi back for the first time since June 1 when they take the pitch for Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Union

Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino told reporters Friday that Messi is no longer on a minutes restriction from his ankle injury and may make an appearance in the upcoming contest.

This is Messi's second season with the MLS team, and he started in brilliant form before his injury with 12 goals and 13 assists across 12 games played. Despite missing so much time, he is still third in the league in assists and tied for 13th in goals.

Had he stayed healthy, he may have cruised to the league MVP award.

That is no surprise, as he is arguably the greatest soccer player in history. The injury came as he was adding another trophy to his resume in the final of the 2024 Copa América when his Argentina side defeated Colombia.

While he helped lead Inter Miami to a Leagues Cup title in 2023, he is still missing an MLS Cup from that resume. The side did not make the playoffs last season with Messi joining late but is in an ideal position to win the title this year even with the star's absence.

The Herons sit atop the Eastern Conference table with 18 wins, five draws and four losses. Their 59 points are well ahead of the top challengers in FC Cincinnati (51 points in 27 games) and the Columbus Crew (49 points in 26 games) and will position Messi and Co. with home-field advantage throughout the playoffs if things don't change.

Earning that No. 1 seed in the East is all the more important given the presence of the three championship contenders. FC Cincinnati won last year's Supporters' Shield and reached the Eastern Conference Final, while the Crew are the reigning champions and have the opportunity to move into the No. 2 seed with a head-to-head win over their rival Saturday.

If Inter Miami can stay locked in the No. 1 seed, it won't have to worry about a hypothetical matchup against either Ohio team until the Eastern Conference Final.

And Messi figures to be in excellent form by then if he is returning to the field as soon as Saturday.