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Inter Miami boss Tata Martino has said that the team would take no 'risk' with injured captain Lionel Messi. The 37-year-old came off with a swollen ankle in Argentina's 2024 Copa America final win over Colombia in Miami on Sunday (July 14).
Messi started the game for the defending champions but had to hobble off midway through the second period as extra time ensued. However, Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez - set up by Giovani Lo Celso - scored the winner 22 minutes into the extra period as La Albiceleste retained their continental crown.
Initially, La Pulga was expected to miss two games (July 17 against Toronto and July 20 against Chicago) for the Herons. But GOAL has reported that Messi has a ligament tear in his right ankle, which could keep him sidelined for a while. A club statement on the same read (as per 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."
On Thursday (July 18), Martino has provided a further update on his captain (as per the club's website) without providing a definitive date of return:
“The club’s medical report came out and the new information is that: regarding when he could come back, he will be evaluated week by week, and we will see what his recovery is like, we won’t be taking any type of risk.”
Lionel Messi has had a sparkling start to his first full season in American football, contributing 12 goals and nine assists in 12 league games for the Herons.
How have Tata Martino's Inter Miami fared in Lionel Messi's absence due to international duty?
Inter Miami fared rather decently in the absence of their captain Lionel Messi, who had a triumphant 2024 Copa America campaign with Argentina, where he bagged a goal and an assist in five games.
Since Messi was away on international duty, Tata Maritno's side won five of their six league games - including four on the trot - and lost one. They're coming off a a 3-1 home win over Toronto on Wednesday (July 17) and next take on Chicago three days later, also at home.
After 24 games, Inter Miami are two points clear of second-placed FC Cincinnati, having won 15 times and losing four. However, they are set to be without their talismanic captain for a while due to injury.
