WATCH: Lionel Messi returns to training for Inter Miami after two-match absence, coach Javier Mascherano 'optimistic' he can play Sunday

Messi returned to training Saturday, raising hopes he could be back in the Inter Miami lineup Sunday

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• Messi participated in Miami's practice Saturday
• Has missed back-to-back matches
• Mascherano 'optimistic' but cautious

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Inter Miami's Lionel Messi returned to the club's training sessions Saturday, a potentially positive sign for the team ahead of its clash against Charlotte FC Sunday.

  manager Javier Mascherano is hopeful of a return of his star player but insisted he will be cautious in determining if the 37-year-old can play.

  "Leo is much better. We are optimistic that if everything goes well, there is a chance that he will be on the roster. We will see, but we still need to train. Obviously, I never guarantee anything when there is still training to be done," Mascherano told reporters.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Miami has generally not missed a beat in Messi's absence, dominating Houston and edging Cavalier FC. Charlotte FC offers a more difficult test, though, especially with Wilfried Zaha now in the mix and impressive in his debut.

• WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

  All eyes will be on whether or not the Argentine will make his return Sunday. This Week 3 clash can already been seen as an early projection of two Eastern Conference contenders.