Lionel Messi’s fitness has been the subject of huge international debate and coverage in recent days after the Inter Miami star didn’t feature on Sunday.

The Argentine international was an unused substitute for the Herons in their pre-season friendly against Hong Kong XI, causing mass outrage from fans aimed at David Beckham and from the government.

And heading to Japan, supporters pundits have been worried that Messi will again be ruled out Wednesday’s clash against Vissel Kobe.

【前日練習】#メッシ 元気に練習しております🐐🌸#Messi𓃵 pic.twitter.com/Lp5DdtABVA

— 【公式】Inter Miami in TOKYO 2024 (@IM_Tokyo2024) February 6, 2024

However, as per a video posted by Twitter user Inter Miami Tokyo, Messi took part in team training today, with the 36-year-old looking lively alongside his teammates.

With Inter Miami facing the Japanese giants Vissel Kobe tomorrow, Messi taking part in the fixture would be a huge fitness boost for Tata Martino’s side.

And this newly emerged clip seems to strongly suggest that Messi could feature, with the attacker’s return something that Inter Miami need ahead of the new MLS season.

Inter Miami will want Lionel Messi to play against Vissel Kobe

With the final leg of Inter Miami’s pre-season tour now in sight, the squad and the coaching staff will be somewhat relieved to get this game out of the way.

Yet for the Herons, there will also be a glimmer of hope that Messi will be fit enough to play against Vissel Kobe having not played on Sunday in Hong Kong.

Indeed, the Argentine missing out has caused a PR nightmare and has somewhat damaged Inter Miami’s international reputation given that fans believed Messi would be playing.

Yet with the forward in training today, there seems to be a good chance that Messi will feature tomorrow, though the attacker will still want to take it easy ahead of the new MLS season.