Inter Miami addresses Lionel Messi's ankle injury that he picked up during the Copa America win against Colombia.
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Messi injured against ColombiaSpotted with a swollen ankle on Argentina's benchHas a ligament injury to his right ankleWHAT HAPPENED?
The Argentine legend picked up the injury during the Copa America final at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where the Albiceleste clinched victory over Colombia thanks to a late goal by Lautaro Martínez. Messi had to be taken off midway through the match and was later snapped with tears flowing down his cheeks and his ankle wrapped in ice, as he sat on the bench.
AdvertisementGetty/GOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE
It was earlier expected that Messi would miss two games – on Wednesday, July 19 against Toronto and Saturday, July 20 against Chicago. However, the latest update from Inter Miami's medical department painted a grim picture as it's been confirmed the forward has been sidelined with a ligament injury in his right ankle.
WHAT INTER MIAMI SAID
An official statement from Inter Miami read: "Inter Miami CF has provided an injury update presented by Baptist Health for captain Leo Messi. After a medical evaluation, it has been determined that Leo Messi has suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle. The captain's availability will be determined by periodic assessments and the progress of his recovery."
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
Messi has had an impressive season in Major League Soccer, scoring 12 goals and providing nine assists in 12 appearances. Nonetheless, Tata Martino's men have done well in his absence, winning five of the six matches, and will hope to continue in the same vein until the 37-year-old regains complete fitness.