By Miami, FL, July 2024 – Lionel Messi will be sidelined for Inter Miami’s upcoming two matches after suffering an ankle injury during the Copa América final. The injury was confirmed by head coach Tata Martino on Tuesday.
Injury Details and Impact
The 37-year-old Messi sustained the injury during Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. He was forced to leave the match in the 64th minute after going down with a twisted ankle. Martino mentioned that Messi will undergo further evaluation to assess the severity of the injury and determine if a longer recovery period is necessary.
“He twisted his ankle, and the injury is present, so tests are needed and we must wait for the results,” Martino stated. “I’ve had the opportunity to see other images. There will be tests done to determine the severity of the situation. We are always informed through our kinesiologist Walter Insaurralde, who is also the kinesiologist of the national team. He is very cautious at giving a final diagnosis before results are in.”
Immediate Consequences for Inter Miami
Fox’s cameras captured Messi’s noticeably swollen ankle as he watched the remainder of the match from the bench. Inter Miami is scheduled to play against Toronto FC on Wednesday and the Chicago Fire on Saturday at home before the MLS All-Star break. The team will then begin its Leagues Cup title defense against Mexican side Puebla on July 27.
Uncertainty Around MLS All-Star Game
It is currently unclear what role, if any, Messi will play in next week’s MLS All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio. Messi was among the 30 players named to the team that will face off against a best-of LIGA MX team. His participation will depend on the results of his medical evaluation and subsequent recovery progress.
