Lionel Messi will be absent for Inter Miami’s upcoming two Major League Soccer matches after injuring his right ankle during Argentina’s Copa America final victory, Miami coach Gerardo Martino announced on Tuesday. The 37-year-old Argentine star sustained the injury in the 64th minute of a 1-0 win over Colombia, leaving the field with a visibly swollen ankle. Messi will miss the home matches against Toronto FC on Wednesday and the Chicago Fire on Saturday.
“There will be further testing to determine the severity of the situation,” Martino stated. “He needs more tests and will wait for the results.”
Messi expressed gratitude on Instagram for the support and concern he received after the match.
“I want to thank everyone for the messages and greetings. I’m fine, thank God, and I hope to be back on the field soon enjoying what I love to do most,” Messi wrote.
Inter Miami, with 14 wins and five draws from 23 matches, currently ranks second in both MLS and the Eastern Conference with 47 points, just one point behind Cincinnati, which defeated Miami 6-1 on July 6.
Inter Miami will begin defending the Leagues Cup title against MLS and Mexican league rivals next week.
