Lionel Messi’s slow limp shows his return from Copa America injury might be far off

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Lionel Messi smiled and waved to adoring fans during a celebration Saturday before Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over Chicago Fire FC to honor his latest Copa America title.

Messi stood near Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas as a video filled with highlights from his illustrious career was shown inside Chase Stadium. They stood on a custom mat, with “Lionel Messi 45 titles,” covering the center circle of the pitch.

“Tonight, we celebrate a great milestone of our captain Leo Messi in becoming the footballer who has lifted the most trophies in the history of this sport,” Mas said.

“And I am sure he won't stop at 45. We hope he can lift many more in the future.”

No player has won more titles for club and country.

No player has celebrated more success in the sport’s history.

However, this celebration was brief and somber. And the quest to Messi’s 46th title is on standby.

Messi slowly limped to and from midfield, wearing a walking boot on his injured right ankle. He wasn’t inclined to say a few words, allowing his smiles and waves to speak for him.

Every step he took was a reminder of the awkward play that caused his right ankle to twist inside, swelling to the size of a softball, as he wept on Argentina’s bench in the second half of the Copa America final before victory.

It was also a telling barometer of just how soon Messi will return from injury: It might not be soon at all.

Messi’s ankle will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis, Inter Miami coach Tata Martino said earlier this week.

Martino was mum about Messi’s status after the game, including his potential to miss the MLS All-Star game this week.

The way Messi walked showed it could be a month-to-month affair.

The bad news: Leagues Cup begins next Saturday, and Messi will likely be unavailable to help Inter Miami defend its title (the 44th of his career).

The tournament is a five-week dash with a final set for Aug. 25. It might not be enough recovery time for Messi to make his return.

The good news: Inter Miami is in tremendous shape for the rest of the MLS season, and a playoff run where home-field advantage and less travel for Messi could also play its parts.

Inter Miami has won six of seven matches without Messi since Copa America began, adding another on Saturday thanks to goals by Matias Rojas in the sixth minute and Jordi Alba in the 75th minute in a 2-1 win over Chicago.

“We tried to put together a team where we could hide the absences, especially Leo's absence,” Martino said of squad. “And well, I think, in that sense, the guys who had to take charge have given very good (performances).”

Inter Miami has 53 points after the Chicago match, and a first-place lead in the MLS Eastern Conference strengthened with two wins and two losses by second-place Cincinnati this week.

If Inter Miami failed to gain another point, they likely could still qualify for the MLS playoffs.

The 50-point threshold alone would be good for at least a Top 7 seed in each of the last three seasons, and MLS playoffs welcome nine teams from each conference into the postseason.

Not only has Inter Miami won without Messi, they’re on prime footing to continue competing for a top playoff seed in anticipation for his return.

Seeing Messi raise another trophy this year would be a sight to see.

But just seeing Messi return to action – when he’s not injured, crying or limping – would be good enough for his legion of adoring fans.

When will Messi return from injury?

It’s unclear when Messi will return, but he will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis , Martino said earlier this week.

When did Messi get hurt?

Messi injured his ankle during the Copa America final against Colombia last Sunday. He was injured in the first half and tried to play in the second half before making an early exit.

What is Inter Miami’s record?

Inter Miami (16 wins, four losses, five draws) is in first in the Supporters' Shield Standings with 53 points (two points ahead of the team in first place). The club also leads MLS with 56 goals.

When does Leagues Cup tournament begin?

The Leagues Cup begins next Saturday, with matches between MLS and LIGA MX clubs, all live streamed on Apple TV.

Inter Miami will host Puebla next Saturday in Chase Stadium, and face Tigres UANL on Aug. 3 at NRG Stadium in Houston in the first two games of Leagues Cup.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lionel Messi’s slow limp shows his return from Copa America injury might be far off