Lionel Messi set to miss 2 matches for Inter Miami after Copa America injury
Legendary Lionel Messi is set to miss at least two matches in Major League Soccer due to his ankle injury. Messi twisted his ankle in the Copa America Final against Columbia on 15 July. The Inter Miami captain’s fate was confirmed by coach Gerardo Tata Martino on Tuesday, 16 July. Tata Martino confirmed that Messi will undergo further testing.
“He twisted his ankle, and the injury is present so tests are needed and wait for results,” Martino told reporters. “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.”
Inter Miami rank second in the Eastern Conference standings heading into home matches this week against Toronto FC on Wednesday and the Chicago Fire on Saturday.
Messi, 37, has recorded 12 goals and 13 assists in 12 MLS matches this season, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s first full campaign in MLS.
COPA AMERICA FINAL: MATCH REPORT
Defending champions Argentina secured their record 16th Copa America title by defeating Colombia 1-0, thanks to an extra-time goal from substitute Lautaro Martinez at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday. Martinez, the tournament’s leading scorer, received a precise through ball from Giovani Lo Celso and lifted his shot over the advancing Colombian goalkeeper, Camilo Vargas, in the 112th minute, igniting wild celebrations amongst Argentina fans. Lautaro Martinez’s goal was his fifth of the tournament, cementing his position as the top scorer and earning him the Copa America 2024 Golden Boot. The match, held at Hard Rock Stadium, started 1 hour and 20 minutes late due to crowd trouble.
Colombia started the match with high pressure, and Jhon Cordoba hit the post in the seventh minute. Jefferson Lerma and Richard Rios also had long-range efforts saved by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. In the 36th minute, Messi appeared to hurt his ankle after a collision with Santiago Arias. Though he got back on his feet after receiving treatment, he was clearly hampered for the rest of the half. Colombia continued their offensive in the second half, with Arias and Davinson Sanchez coming close to scoring. Argentina absorbed the pressure well but suffered a setback in the 66th minute when Messi limped off due to his ankle injury. They grew into the contest and had a goal disallowed for offside, but Colombia held on as the match went to extra time. The defending champions kept pushing forward in extra time, testing Vargas with a shot from Nico Gonzalez before Martinez finally found the breakthrough.
After a goalless 90 minutes and a grueling extra-time effort, the Inter Milan star delivered once again, as he had done throughout the past month. Messi appeared to sustain a non-contact injury while running and falling in the 64th minute, covering his face with his hands as he sat on the bench. After scoring the decisive goal, Martnez ran to the bench to embrace his captain, celebrating Argentina’s record 16th Copa America title. With this victory, Argentina secured its third consecutive major title, following the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup, matching Spain’s achievement of winning the 2008 and 2012 European Championships alongside the 2010 World Cup. Additionally, Argentina ended Colombia’s 28-game unbeaten streak, which had lasted since a February 2022 loss to the Albiceleste.
