Tata Martino gives update on Lionel Messi's fitness ahead of Charlotte clash

Inter Miami boss Tata Martino has provided an update on Lionel Messi's fitness ahead of Saturday's MLS meeting with Charlotte FC.

The Argentina international is still building up his match fitness after recently returning from a two-month injury layoff.

Messi spent time on the sidelines with an ankle injury that he sustained in the Copa America final before he returned to action in a home game against Philadelphia Union earlier this month.

The 37-year-old produced an impressive display against Philadelphia, scoring two goals and providing one assist in a 3-1 victory.

Messi subsequently dropped down to the bench for an away meeting with Atlanta United, before he came back into the starting lineup to play the full duration of the recent 1-1 draw with New York City.

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Martino provides update on Messi's fitness

The Inter Miami star has been unable to register a goal contribution in the last two appearances, but Martino is confident that Messi will find his best form ahead of the playoffs which get underway next month.

Martino also indicated that Messi will be available to return to the Argentina squad for their next round of World Cup qualifiers.

"The more full games Leo plays, the better he will get," Martino told reporters ahead of Saturday's home meeting with Charlotte.

"Obviously Leo doesn't need to do different physical work in training, but rather a competitive rhythm every time he plays 90 minutes.

"That gives me an idea that he's going to be in very good shape for the playoffs because, in addition to the games he plays with us, he also has games with the national team. So we have a lot of hope that he'll be in very good shape for the playoffs."

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Inter Miami targeting Supporters' Shield

Inter Miami are currently sitting top of the Eastern Conference after collecting 64 points from their 30 MLS matches.

As a result of their impressive campaign, they are on the verge of clinching the Supporters' Shield - the award given to the team with the best regular-season record.

If they beat Charlotte on Saturday, Martino's side will be able to seal the Supporters' Shield with a win in Wednesday's away match against Columbus Crew.

Inter Miami are also nine points away from breaking the all-time MLS points record with four games left to play in the regular season.