Lionel Messi gives update on Copa América injury: When is his next Inter Miami game?

When Lionel Messi trudged from the field, hobbling on a swollen right ankle, there was real concern that Sunday’s Copa América final could be his final outing with the Argentinian national team.

Even without their injured captain, Argentina went on to beat Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium and lift their third consecutive international title. Messi, having waited so long for silverware with his nation, now has the shiny trinkets that his shimmering talent deserve. And despite images of Messi’s heinously swollen ankle on the touchline, the 37-year-old has taken to social media to dispel the darkest fears about his injury.

“I want to thank everyone for the messages and greetings,” Messi wrote on Instagram. “I’m fine, thank God, and I hope I can soon be on the field again enjoying what I like to do most. I am happy, very happy, especially because we achieved the goal we had wanted.”

The substitution came midway through the second half after an innocuous challenge in the midfield, but the injury itself may have been sustained before the halftime break. Stretching to reach a ball near the touchline, Messi’s right foot got caught in the turf and his aging ankle buckled beneath him, requiring a lengthy spell of on-field treatment to get him back to his feet. He was able to receive further assistance during the extended halftime but managed just 20 more minutes before leaving the field in tears.

When will Lionel Messi return for Inter Miami?

The image of a tearful Messi and his bulbous ankle may have looked shocking but the seriousness of the injury is still unclear. If he had sustained major damage to the ligament he would be sidelined for months but, given Messi’s relatively upbeat statement, he may just have overextended or sprained the joint.

For a player of Messi’s age this will still require careful and patient treatment, but does mean that his time away from the turf may be measured in weeks, not months. Here’s how Inter Miami’s schedule looks...

It’s worth noting that more Leagues Cup fixtures will be added in August if Inter Miami emerge from the group stage. There is also the small matter of the MLS All-Star Game on July 24, although it’s difficult to see Messi playing any part at this stage.

Following the Copa América triumph Messi will return to Inter Miami to start rehabilitation work on his ankle. Currently sitting second in the Eastern Conference, just one point behind Supporters’ Shield leaders FC Cincinnati, the Herons are certain to make the playoffs so there’s no urgent need to rush the Argentina back.

The real work for Messi and Miami will begin in late October when the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs get underway. Messi missed out on the post-season during his first half-season in MLS and will be eager to leave his mark on the competition this time around. If he can return from injury and re-find his form, Inter Miami will take some stopping this year.