Lionel Messi will not play Inter Miami’s next two games after suffering an ankle injury in the Copa America final. Head coach Tata Martino said Tuesday.
Messi, 37, left the match after being injured in the 64th minute during Argentina’s 1-0 win over Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Martino said Messi will be further evaluated to determine the severity of the injury and whether it will require a longer absence.
“He twisted his ankle and the injury is present, so we have to do tests and wait for the results,” Martino said. “I have had the opportunity to see other images. Tests will be done to determine the severity of the situation. We always get information from our physiotherapist Walter Insaurralde, who is also the physiotherapist for the national team. He is very cautious when it comes to giving a final diagnosis before the results are in.”
Fox cameras captured Messi noticeably swollen ankle as he watched the rest of the match from the bench towards the end of the second half.
Inter Miami will play Toronto FC on Wednesday and Chicago Fire at home on Saturday before the MLS All-Star break. The team will then begin the defense of its Leagues Cup title against Mexican club Puebla on July 27.
It remains to be seen what involvement, if any, Messi will have in next week’s match. MLS All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio. He was one of 30 players named to the team that will face a top team in LIGA MX.
