Inter Miami chiefs have confirmed there is no timeframe for Lionel Messi's return to action after the forward suffered a ligament injury in his ankle during the Copa America 2024 final.
The 37-year-old hobbled off in the showpiece at Hard Rock Stadium after struggling following a robust challenge from Colombia's Santiago Arias as he left the field in the 64th minute. Grimacing in pain, the Argentina captain was left sobbing on the bench before his teammates finished the job without him to retain the trophy with a 1-0 victory.
Amid the joy leading his team to glory in another successful tournament, Messi has now been landed with the news that his ankle knock could leave him sidelined indefinitely. With the MLS season still ongoing through the summer, the games continue to come quickly for his club side - with the revelation that he could be left on the treatment table a significant blow.
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The forward has been assessed in the aftermath of the tournament, with the Herons confirming the state of play via a statement . It read: "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."
While club colleague Luis Suarez has returned to Miami training this week, the subject of Messi's injury has been addressed in a coy manner until now by the Floridan franchise. Vice City head coach Tata Martino previously said: "He twisted his ankle, and the injury is present, so tests are needed and wait for results.
"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."
Meanwhile, Messi has spoken with optimism over his fitness following Argentina's latest glorious tournament run, saying on Instagram: "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.
"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 now face an agonizing wait to determine what their talisman's involvement will be in the remainder of the MLS campaign. Currently sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference, games against Toronto and Chicago are still to come in the league before the month is out.
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