Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi is out indefinitely because of a ligament injury in his right ankle, the team announced Tuesday.
He sustained the injury during Argentina's 1-0 victory against Colombia on Sunday in the Copa America final in Miami.
Lionel Messi ankle injury
Injury Update x @BaptistHealthSF
An update on Lionel Messi’s injury: https://t.co/0nEgXctKJp pic.twitter.com/YdaIN2L7dR— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 16, 2024
You can clearly see Messi’s plant foot go in an unnatural motion.
That ankle was done. Kept on as long as he could but pain was too much. #Messi— herculez gomez (@herculezg) July 15, 2024
Messi's swollen ankle pic.twitter.com/dtZ1mQUogV
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 15, 2024
"After a medical evaluation, it has been determined that Leo Messi has suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle," the statement read. "The captain's availability will be determined by periodic assessments and the progress of his recovery."
Inter Miami coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino said earlier Tuesday, before the test results, that Messi was expected to miss at least two matches.
"He twisted his ankle, and the injury is present so tests are needed and wait for results," Martino told reporters. "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."
Inter Miami rank second in the Eastern Conference standings heading into home matches this week against Toronto FC on Wednesday and the Chicago Fire on Saturday.
Messi, 37, has recorded 12 goals and 13 assists in 12 MLS matches this season, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's first full campaign in MLS.
--Field Level Media
