Messi to Miss Inter Miami Matches with Ankle Injury

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward, is expected to miss at least the next two matches for his Major League Soccer team, Inter Miami, due to an ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final.

According to Inter Miami coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino, Messi suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle during Argentina's 1-0 victory over Colombia on Sunday. The team's medical staff has assessed the injury and determined that Messi's availability will be evaluated on a regular basis as he undergoes rehabilitation.

Messi's absence is a significant blow to Inter Miami, who are currently second in the Eastern Conference standings. The team is scheduled to host Toronto FC on Wednesday night and Chicago on Saturday night.

The 37-year-old Messi was forced to leave the Copa America final in tears after going down in the 64th minute. He immediately signaled to the Argentina bench and remained on the ground for several minutes before removing his right boot and slowly walking off the field. Cameras later captured him on the bench with a visibly swollen right ankle.

In an Instagram post on Monday, Messi expressed optimism about his recovery and stated his hope to return to action soon. However, the severity of his ankle injury remains unclear, and it is possible that he could miss additional matches beyond the next two.

Messi's injury is a reminder of the physical toll that international football can take on players, especially those who are approaching the end of their careers. The Argentine maestro has played over 1,000 professional matches for club and country, and his body is showing signs of wear and tear.

Despite his injury, Messi remains one of the most influential players in the world. His presence on the field inspires his teammates and captivates fans. Inter Miami will hope that Messi can recover quickly and return to action as soon as possible to help the team achieve its goals in the MLS.

Tags: #LionelMessi, #InterMiami, #MLS, #CopaAmerica, #AnkleInjury