2024-07-17 16:26:46
Argentine star Lionel Messi suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle in the Copa America final that will keep him out for at least the next two Inter Miami matches, the MLS team confirmed on Tuesday.
The Argentine captain had to be substituted in the 66th minute of Sunday’s final, in which Argentina won 1-0 against Colombia with a goal in extra time by Lautaro Martínez.
After limping off the pitch, Messi burst into tears as he sat on the bench at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, where a huge swelling on his ankle could be seen.
In a brief medical report, Inter confirmed on Tuesday that its star player “has suffered an injury to the ligaments of his right ankle.”
“The captain’s availability will be determined by periodic check-ups and the progress of his recovery,” the text concluded.
Hours earlier, coach Gerardo Martino said he did not expect to have Messi available for Wednesday’s home games against Toronto FC and Saturday’s home games against the Chicago Fire.
“I don’t think he has any chances, given how I see his ankle,” said Tata. “He obviously had a sprain. The injury is there and now we have to do tests and wait for the results.”
In an Instagram post on Monday, Messi thanked fans for their messages of support and said he was “doing well.”
“I’m fine, thank God, and I hope to be back on the pitch soon enjoying what I like to do most,” wrote the 37-year-old striker.
AFP
2024-07-17 16:26:46