Inter Miami has announced that Lionel Messi has suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle and will be sidelined indefinitely.
Messi was injured during the Copa América final against Colombia on Sunday, with the Argentina star severely turning his ankle during a play in the first half.
The 37-year-old managed to play on, but collapsed to the turf while running in the second half and had to be substituted in tears.
Messi watched on as Argentina would win the final 1-0, with his ankle swelling severely while he sat on the bench.
On Tuesday, Inter Miami released a statement indicating that Messi is set for a spell on the sidelines.
“After a medical evaluation, it has been determined that Leo Messi has suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle,” the MLS club said. “The captain’s availability will be determined by periodic assessments and the progress of his recovery.”
Messi has been sensational for Inter Miami during the 2024 MLS campaign, tallying 12 goals and 13 assists in just 12 games.
Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino had already ruled Messi out of the club’s next two games prior to the diagnosis, with the injury almost certain to keep the Argentina star out of next week’s MLS All-Star Game.
Messi also appears at risk of missing some, if not all of Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup title defense. The tournament featuring every team from MLS and Liga MX kicks off on July 26.
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