Inter Miami issues Lionel Messi injury update after Copa America final

Lionel Messi suffered a right ankle ligament injury in the Copa America 2024 and will be out for an undisclosed period of time, Inter Miami announced.

"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," the team's communications department said in an update. As of writing, there is no exact timetable for his return.

Head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino said Messi will miss the next two Inter Miami games at minimum before the All-Star break. After that, the team begins its title defense in Leagues Cup. According to Martino, the club does not believe it is a long-term injury.

Messi to miss at least next two Inter Miami games

Inter Miami did well with Messi and Luis Suarez absent while the two players competed in Copa America. The Herons won four of its five matches with its only loss coming to FC Cincinnati in a blowout. The team will be without Diego Gomez and Benjamin Cremaschi this summer while they both compete in the Olympics.

Miami has done well to give itself some wiggle room in the Eastern Conference currently one point off Cincinnati for not only the top spot, but also the Supporters' Shield. Reigning MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew trail Miami by five points, though Columbus has two games in hand. After that, the next closest team is New York Red Bulls with 37 points.

But, if Messi were to miss any Leagues Cup ties, it would put a dampener on the tournament considering the story from last year's inaugural competition. Inter Miami has two Leagues Cup group stage matches against Liga MX's Puebla and Tigres UNAL. Depending on how far the team goes in the competition, Miami's next MLS match would be Aug. 24 in a rematch against Cincinnati.

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