Lionel Messi missing Inter Miami's practice on Wednesday has left fans and pundits anxious. The 37-year-old forward was notably absent as the team gears up for their MLS match against Philadelphia this Saturday at Chase Stadium. This absence has led to growing speculation about whether he'll be ready for the game. 

Messi's absence isn't due to the ankle injury he suffered during the Copa América final. Instead, he's currently dealing with a flu-like illness, and Inter Miami has allowed him to skip training while he recovers. The club has yet to confirm if Messi will be fit to play this weekend. 

Since his injury, Messi has been on a challenging recovery journey. He wore a special boot, went through physiotherapy, and worked out regularly. He started training with his teammates again on August 28, and the team has been sharing updates on his progress, which has excited fans. 

Although Messi hoped to return in time for recent World Cup qualifiers, his recovery took longer than expected. Now, just as he was close to returning, this new illness has caused more uncertainty. If he isn't ready for Saturday's match, his next chance to play could be on Wednesday against Atlanta United at 8:30 p.m., or possibly on September 21 when Inter Miami faces New York FC at 3:00 p.m.Fans are eagerly awaiting news on Messi's recovery and potential return.