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- Copa America. Messi breaks his silence after Copa America injury: reveals how his ankle is and when he will play again
When Lionel Messi tumbled to the ground, the gasp from the crowd was audible even on TV. The world's greatest soccer player, "The GOAT," down and out in the Copa America final. It was a scene that left both Argentina and Inter Miami fans holding their breath.
Inter Miami announced Tuesday that Messi, 37, will be out for at least the next two matches due to a ligament injury in his right ankle. Head coach Tata Martino confirmed Messi's absence from Wednesday's clash against Toronto FC and Sunday's showdown with the Chicago Fire, adding that Messi's availability will be evaluated periodically based on his recovery progress.
"We're still determining the full extent of the injury," Martino said, maintaining his caution. "There will be tests done, and we will get continuous updates from our kinesiologist, Walter Insaurralde, who also works with the national team."
The injury occurred in the 64th minute of Argentina's 1-0 victory over Colombia, where Messi awkwardly planted his foot and immediately crumpled to the ground. The sight of Messi, face buried in his hands, shoes angrily tossed aside, was a stark contrast to the jubilation that usually surrounds him. The match saw an earlier scare when he clutched his ankle after a hard tackle from Colombia's Santiago Arias, but this time, the injury was undeniable.
Messi reassures fans amidst injury concerns: "I'm fine, thank God"
On Monday, Messi took to Instagram to thank his fans for their and provide a glimmer of hope. "I'm fine, thank God, and I hope I can soon be on the field again enjoying what I like to do most," he wrote.
Despite the optimism, Messi missed the celebratory trip to Buenos Aires with his Argentine teammates. Inter Miami's immediate future now rests on their ability to navigate MLS matches without their star player. The team, which is also the defending Leagues Cup champion, faces an important stretch with the All-Star Game and the Leagues Cup on the horizon. Last year, Messi's presence boosted viewership for the tournament, a critical metric for MLS and its broadcast partner, Apple.
Martino, taking a diplomatic stance, refused to critique Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni's use of Messi during the Copa America. "We were not there in the day-to-day, and it would be out of place for me to talk about that," he said.
Inter Miami will resume their regular season on August 24th, and fans will be anxiously watching Messi's recovery. The magic he brings to the field is unmatched, and his absence, however brief, leaves a palpable void in the soccer world. Until then, the mantra in Miami and beyond will be a hopeful, "Get well soon, Leo."