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Lionel Messi is ruled out indefinitely for Inter Miami as extent of horrific ankle injury is revealed
Lionel Messi is set to miss Inter Miami's next set of matches due to a ligament injury in his right ankle, the team announced on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old, eight-time Ballon d'Or winner sustained the injury in Argentina's 1-0 win over Colombia on Sunday in the Copa America final in Miami. He went down in the 64th minute and needed extended treatment after immediately looking to the Argentina bench.
Messi first took off his right boot before walking slowly off the field to see if he could continue playing. But, he was then shown covering his face and sobbing in his seat, as cameras eventually showed Messi on the bench with ice on a swollen right ankle.
'After a medical evaluation, it has been determined that Leo Messi has suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle,' a statement shared by the Argentinean FA read.
'The captain's availability will be determined by periodic assessments and the progress of his recovery.'
Leo Messi was in tears after injuring his right ankle in the Copa America final against Colombia
Messi was substituted a little after the hour mark (64') on Sunday. His ankle was wrapped in ice
Inter Miami coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino said earlier on Tuesday, before the test results, that Messi was expected to miss at least two matches.
'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.'
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has 12 goals and 13 assists in 12 MLS matches this season
Inter Miami rank second in the Eastern Conference standings heading into home matches this week, first against Toronto FC on Wednesday before 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.
He said he was doing well in an Instagram post on Monday and that he hoped to return soon.
'I'm fine, thank God, and I hope I can soon be on the field again enjoying what I like to do most,' Messi partially said in a lengthy post paying tribute to the outgoing Angel Di Maria.