Lionel Messi sustained an ankle injury during the Copa América final and will be sidelined for Inter Miami’s next two matches, as confirmed by head coach Tata Martino on Tuesday via Miami Herald.
The Argentine star, aged 37, had to leave the field in the 64th minute of the game against Colombia, which Argentina won 1-0 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Martino stated that Messi’s injury will undergo further evaluation to determine its extent and potential duration of recovery.
“He twisted his ankle, and the injury is present so tests are needed and wait for results,” Martino said. “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.”
Television footage captured Messi’s visibly swollen ankle as he watched the remainder of the match from the bench during the latter stages.
Inter Miami’s upcoming fixtures include matches against Toronto FC on Wednesday and the Chicago Fire on Saturday at home, ahead of the MLS All-Star break. The team’s Leagues Cup title defense will commence against Puebla on July 27.
It is uncertain whether Messi will be able to participate in the upcoming MLS All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio next week. He was selected as one of the 30 players for the matchup against a LIGA MX All-Star team.