Lionel Messi is likely to miss at least the next two matches for Inter Miami CF after injuring his right ankle during the Copa América final, Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said Tuesday.
Martino said Messi will undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury, but he did not want to speculate on whether it would be a long-term injury. Inter Miami will host Toronto FC on Wednesday night and Chicago Fire on Saturday night.
“He twisted his ankle, and the injury is present so tests are needed and wait for results,” Martino said. “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.”
The 37-year-old Messi tearfully exited Argentina’s 1-0 win over Colombia in Sunday’s Copa América final after going down in the 64th minute. He immediately looked to the Argentina bench and was down for a couple of minutes before taking off his right boot and walking slowly off the field.
He was then shown covering his face, sobbing in his seat. Cameras later showed him on the bench with a badly swollen right ankle.
Messi said he was doing well in an Instagram post Monday and that he hoped to return soon.
Miami is second in the Eastern Conference standings.
ESPN’s Lizzy Becherano contributed to this report.