Lionel Messi has been ruled out of action indefinitely after suffering an ankle injury in the Copa America final, with Inter Miami confirming there is no timeline for his return
Inter Miami officials have revealed that they are uncertain of when Lionel Messi will be fit to play again, following an ankle ligament injury he sustained during the 2024 Copa America final.
Messi, aged 37, limped out of the final game at Hard Rock Stadium as he failed to shake off an injury which saw him leave the pitch in the 64th minute. Wincing in discomfort, the Argentine skipper was visibly moved to tears before his teammates went on to clinch the trophy with a slender 1-0 victory without him.
However, despite winning another triumphant tournament with his team, Messi confronts the reality that his ankle issue could indefinitely postpone his return to the field. With the MLS season rolling on throughout summer, games for his club are coming thick and fast.
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The information that Messi might need to spent considerable time healing thus comes as a significant setback. The club has been monitoring their talisman’s situation closely in the aftermath of the tournament.
A statement from the Herons confirmed: “After a medical evaluation, it has been determined that Leo Messi has suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle. The captain’s availability will be determined by periodic assessments and the progress of his recovery.”
Despite Luis Suarez returning to Miami training this week, the Floridian franchise have been somewhat coy about Messi’s injury until now. The head coach of Vice City, Tata Martino did shed some light on the situation, stating: “He twisted his ankle, and the injury is present, so tests are needed and wait for results.”
He also added: “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.”
In the meantime, after Argentina’s recent triumphant tournament, Messi has chimed in with an upbeat outlook on his health. Sharing his feelings via Instagram, he said: “Copa America is over and the first thing I want to thank everyone for the messages and greetings. I’m doing well, thank God, and hopefully soon I can be on the court again enjoying what I love doing most.”
Adding excitement to his message, the Argentinian star said: “I’m happy, a lot, especially because we achieved the goal we had and Fide leaves us but with another Cup. The biggest ones, like him, Ota or me, we live it with special excitement, with other teammates who already have several tournaments and add their experience as well, and with a litter of young people who give their all in every ball. We are a team and also a family, a spectacular group.”
Miami chiefs are now left in suspense as they wait to see how their star player will contribute to the rest of the MLS season. Currently holding the second spot in the Eastern Conference, they still have matches against Toronto and Chicago to look forward to before the month ends.