Lionel Messi has been named to Inter Miami's bench for their game vs. the Colorado Rapids as he prepares to return from a nearly month-long injury absence.
Messi hasn't played since he suffered a hamstring injury on March 13 vs. Nashville SC in a CONCACAF Champions Cup match.
He missed three league games while he was sidelined and also sat out the team's CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal first leg loss vs. Monterrey on Wednesday.
Messi's longtime Barca teammates and friends Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba were also named on the bench ahead of the Colorado game.
Winger Robert Taylor has been ruled out altogether with a hamstring injury.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez looked to be in good spirits as they prepared for Miami's game
Messi looks likely to make his first appearance for Miami since March 13 vs. Nashville
Suarez in particular has seen his minutes managed by Miami coach Tata Martino, as he's now started on the bench in three of the team's eight league games, and has played 90 minutes just twice.
Messi and Suarez were pictured smiling as they approached Miami's Chase Stadium on Saturday night.
Including the 2-1 loss to Monterrey earlier this week, the Herons have failed to win their last three matches in all competitions.
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