Tata Martino explains Messi's status for the Concacaf Champions second leg against Monterrey: Will he start?

Inter Miami are set to face Rayados

As anticipated by the Inter Miami fans, Lionel Messi made a triumphant return to action after nearly three weeks on the sidelines due to a nagging muscle injury.

His comeback was nothing short of spectacular, as he made an immediate impact by finding the back of the net within just 10 minutes of stepping onto the field in Saturday's MLS showdown against the Colorado Rapids.

Messi's lightning-fast contribution didn't go unnoticed by his coach, Gerardo 'Tata' Martino, who dropped subtle hints suggesting that the Argentine superstar would be a pivotal part of the starting lineup in the upcoming midweek clash in the second leg of the quarterfinals in the Concacaf Champions Cup against Monterrey.

Martino's initial prognosis, following the first leg encounter, had indicated that Messi might not be fit enough to feature in the crucial fixture against the Mexican outfit.

However, few bought into Martino's cautious assessment, especially given the magnitude of the match and Inter Miami's urgent need for their talismanic figure, particularly after a less-than-ideal result at home in the first leg, where they lost 2-1 at home.

"Messi will start on the field at the BBVA Stadium," Martino noted.

«The idea would be [to start], but we understand the demand of the upcoming match.

»WithLeo it is the usual thing that he provokes in our team, in the teammates, in the people. The most important thing is that he felt comfortable, good, loose. We knew it was a risk for him to play the first game with Monterrey."