Lionel Messi is expected to return to the field Saturday for Inter Miami after a two-game injury absence, Herons coach Javier Mascherano told reporters Friday.

Messi hurt his right leg in the eighth minute of a Leagues Cup win over Necaxa on Aug. 2 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He missed the Herons’ Group stage finale against Pumas, a 3-1 win, and an MLS match against Orlando City, a 4-1 loss.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner returned to training earlier this week.

“Leo is fine,” Mascherano said. “He’s been with the team since Wednesday. We believe that if nothing unusual happens, he’ll be called up for tomorrow’s game.”

The Herons (12-5-6) will host the Los Angeles Galaxy (3-15-7) in an MLS match Saturday in Fort Lauderdale. They sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings, ni

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