Lionel Messi, sporting a walking boot on his injured right ankle, observed as Inter Miami reclaimed the top spot in the MLS Eastern Conference with a 3-1 win over Toronto FC on Wednesday night.
During the game at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium, Messi was seated with his family. He was sidelined for the Toronto game and will also miss the upcoming Saturday match against Chicago, as he recovers from an ankle injury sustained during the Copa America.
Inter Miami disclosed on Tuesday that Messi has sustained a ligament injury. The club, after thoroughly assessing the two-time Copa America and World Cup champion, stated he would undergo weekly evaluations, as mentioned by coach Tatar Martino post-match.
“The club’s medical report is out and the information is that regarding the times, it will surely be evaluated week by week,” Martino said of Messi.
“We are going to see just how his recovery is without taking any kind of risk.”
Messi sustained the injury during Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final on Sunday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Instead of traveling back to Argentina with his teammates to celebrate the Copa America title, Messi stayed behind to start his recovery process.
A timeline for Messi’s return to injury is indefinite. Inter Miami said Messi’s future availability “will be determined by periodic assessments and the progress of his recovery.”
