Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, has been ruled out indefinitely after tests on Tuesday confirmed a ligament injury in his right ankle during the Copa América final.
Messi’s club Inter Miami’s announcement made this announcement in a statement.
“After a medical evaluation, it has been determined that Leo Messi has suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle,” the club stated. “The captain’s availability will be determined by periodic assessments and the progress of his recovery.”
Inter Miami coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino mentioned earlier on Tuesday, before the tests, that Messi would probably miss at least the club’s next two games.
Inter Miami is set to play against Toronto FC on Wednesday night and Chicago Fire on Saturday night. The team will then begin defending its Leagues Cup title on July 27 against Puebla.
Messi had to leave the field before the end of Argentina’s Copa América final victory.
“He twisted his ankle, and the injury is present, so tests are needed and wait for results,” Martino explained. “I’ve had the opportunity to see other images. There will be tests done to determine the severity of the situation. We are always informed through our kinesiologist Walter Insaurralde, who is also the kinesiologist of the national team. He is very cautious at giving a final diagnosis before results are in.”
The 37-year-old Messi tearfully left the field during Argentina’s 1-0 win over Colombia in Sunday’s Copa América final, after going down in the 64th minute.
He immediately signaled to the Argentina bench and stayed down for a few minutes before removing his right boot and slowly walking off the field.
He was later seen covering his face and sobbing on the bench. Cameras captured his right ankle, which appeared badly swollen.
In an Instagram post on Monday, Messi said he was doing well and hoped to return soon.
Miami currently sits second in the Eastern Conference standings.
