Inter Miami club announced that Messi suffered ankle ligament damage.
” After medical examination, doctors determined that Messi has a ligament injury in his right ankle. His ability to play will be based on periodic assessments and recovery level ,” Inter Miami announced.
Messi will not need surgery. Head coach Tata Martino said the captain will definitely not play in this week’s matches against Toronto and Chicago Fire. Messi had previously shared on his personal page about the injury and his desire to return to the field soon.
” I’m fine, thanks for this luck. I hope to return to competition soon, enjoying what I love to do most ,” Messi wrote.
Messi was injured in the 2024 Copa America final. In the first half, he collided with a Colombian player and sprained his ankle. Messi was in pain but still tried to play. In the 66th minute, the 37-year-old star collapsed on the field and had to be substituted.
Pictures show Messi’s swollen ankle. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said: ” Leo is the greatest player in history. He never wants to leave the pitch. His ankle is swollen but he is determined to continue playing. I want the other players to see that he is over 30 years old but still wants to contribute. He wants to contribute, not because of selfishness.
Leo wanted to continue playing because he didn’t want to abandon his teammates. He didn’t want to do that even though he was in a very bad condition. When he left the field, Leo didn’t feel good enough anymore .”
At Copa America 2024, Messi scored 1 goal and made 1 assist. This player’s mark is no longer as strong as in previous tournaments. He once mentioned retiring from international football. However, Messi has not set a time to say goodbye to the national team.
Since his debut for Argentina in 2005, Lionel Messi has played 187 matches, scoring 109 goals and providing 58 assists. He is second in the list of the best scorers for the national team, after Ronaldo (130 goals). The striker born in 1987 has won the most titles in history with 45 trophies, more than the next person, Dani Alves (43 titles).
