Inter Miami offer fresh update on Lionel Messi after Argentina captain suffers grim ankle injury in Copa America final

Inter Miami have provided an update on the fitness of captain Lionel Messi following his ankle injury in the Copa America final. The Argentina skipper was left in tears on the bench after he picked up the injury, with cameras showing an extremely swollen ankle afterwards.

Messi suffered an adductor injury in his second game at the Copa America against Chile before returning for the quarterfinals against Ecuador. The 37-year-old returned to the treatment table in the final against Colombia after his ankle bent under the weight of Santiago Arias in the first half.

Lionel Messi played only 66 minutes in the match, which La Albiceleste won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Lautaro Martinez. Following the injury, the forward was projected to miss only two games, but latest official reports from his club indicate that he may be out for much longer.

The club statement read (via GOAL):

"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."

Lionel Messi did not travel with the rest of the Argentina team back to the South American nation, where they intend to celebrate their triumph. The Inter Miami star remained in Florida, where the final of the tournament took place.

Messi will not require surgery as he only injured his ligament, and will only need rest and physiotherapy. The forward will miss the MLS All-Star game, and is likely to miss his side's title defense in the Leagues Cup.

Lionel Messi models new Inter Miami kit following launch

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has been photographed sporting the new third kit for the Herons for the 2024 season. The Argentine forward modelled the kit, which represents a throwback to the 80s and has aquamarine, orange and white colors, the colors identified with the city of Miami.

The new kit will be available for purchase at the club store from Wednesday, July 17, with the jackets, Gazelle and Samba shoes also released. The Herons will use the kit as an alternative to their pink home shirts and their black away kits.

Lionel Messi will undoubtedly be unavailable when the new Inter Miami kit makes its debut in the MLS game against Chicago Fire on July 20. That said, the Argentine great may be in the stadium for the game, which will take place at the Chase Stadium.