Inter Miami CF are entering a critical stretch of their MLS season with Lionel Messi back in training and the playoff picture tightening around them. The 39-year-old returned to first-team sessions after bidding an emotional farewell to international football at the Estadio Monumental, where Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in his final appearance for the Albiceleste. His return gives the club a significant boost at exactly the right moment.

The timing matters because Inter Miami are under real pressure in the Eastern Conference. They sit third with 46 points from 27 games, level with second-placed New England Revolution and just one point clear of Chicago Fire in fourth. The margins are tight, and momentum will be decisive over the final weeks of the regular season.

That pressure is compounded by their most recent result. Inter Miami lost 2-1 away to Columbus Crew on September 27, a defeat that did nothing to settle any nerves heading into the playoff run-in. Road form and consistency have been questions the club needs to answer quickly.

Next up is a home fixture against DC United at Nu Stadium on October 10, a match that offers a chance to respond. With Messi back available and the club needing points to secure their postseason position, the coming week will tell plenty about where Inter Miami's season is genuinely headed.