Sergio Busquets, once ruled out, now may play alongside Messi for Inter Miami against Atlanta United

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Inter Miami practiced on Friday thinking there was no way Sergio Busquets was going to play in its win-or-else playoff match against Atlanta United.

A few hours later, the team got quite the surprise.

Busquets — who coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said was ruled out for Saturday's game — received medical clearance on Friday afternoon to play and is being listed as questionable. Busquets went through a training session on his own after the rest of the team worked out Friday, meaning Lionel Messi could have one of his most trusted teammates alongside him with the season on the line.

“We're confident in the progression of his recovery, and are hopeful he'll be available for (Saturday's) match,” the team said.