World Cup champion Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami practice Wednesday for the first time since injuring his ankle during the Copa America final last month. 

The Marc Leclerc37-year-old star completed individual drills before joining his Miami teammates on the field for his first public practice since he sustained a right ankle ligament injury during the July 14 showdown that Argentina won against Colombia.

While Messi had already resumed individual work last week, Wednesday marked his first appearance practicing with his teammates, a significant step in his recovery process.

Latest on Messi ankle injury

Messi has missed the last seven of Miami’s games due to the injury, but has not played with his MLS side since June 1 because of his international duty with Argentina. Despite the absence of its star player, Inter Miami has had a stellar season. The team currently leads the MLS Eastern Conference, six points ahead of second-place Cincinnati, and has already clinched a playoff spot after defeating Cincinnati 2-0 Saturday.  

When will Messi return for Miami?

Miami Head Coach Tata Martino said last week that Messi will return before the end of the MLS season, but the exact date of his return was still up in the air. The MLS season lasts through the middle of October. 

Inter Miami’s next game is an away matchup against Chicago Fire FC on Saturday, which may still be too soon for Messi’s long-awaited return to the pitch. If that's the case, Messi’s next possible return date would be Miami’s Sept. 14 home game against Philadelphia. Argentina did not select Messi for its upcoming World Cup qualifying matches Sept. 5 and 10, allowing the star player more time to recover. 

USA TODAY Sports reporter Safid Deen contributed to this report.