Javi Morales, assistant to coach Gerardo Martino at Inter Miami, stated that Leo Messi is "physically doing very well" and that his ankle "is responding well" following the injury that sidelined him from July 14 to September 14.

He made these comments during a press conference ahead of Inter Miami's match, currently leading the Eastern Conference, against New York City, coming off a 2-2 draw on Wednesday in Atlanta.

"Leo played 30 minutes the other day. He performed well, with no discomfort, and is fit to play. It depends on what 'Tata' decides. But physically, he is in great shape," said Morales.

"He played well; the other day he did fine. We won't talk about how important he is to us. (He started on the bench in Atlanta) after being out for almost two months. We were playing on synthetic turf... The most important thing is that his ankle is responding well," he added.

Messi, who has recorded fourteen goals and fifteen assists in fourteen MLS matches, could start from the first minute in New York.

"He's a player who always wants to be on the field, and whenever we can, we will use him. Not only does he improve us significantly, but we also enjoy having him on the pitch," Morales emphasized.

The Argentine assistant filled in for Martino on the bench during the Atlanta match, as 'Tata' was suspended.