Lionel Messi Faces Injury Setback, to Miss Upcoming Inter Miami Matches

Lionel Messi is expected to miss at least two matches for Inter Miami due to a right ankle ligament injury sustained during the Copa America final. Coach Gerardo Martino confirmed the news, stating Messi's rehabilitation will be closely monitored. Messi updated fans on Instagram, expressing hopes for a swift recovery.

Lionel Messi is likely to miss at least the next two matches for Inter Miami, his Major League Soccer team, after injuring his right ankle during the Copa America final, Miami coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino said.

The team announced Tuesday that Messi suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle, and his availability will be assessed periodically as his rehabilitation progresses.

Inter Miami will host Toronto FC on Wednesday night and Chicago on Saturday night.

The 37-year-old Messi tearfully exited Argentina's 1-0 win over Colombia in Sunday's Copa America final after going down in the 64th minute. He immediately looked to the Argentina bench and was down for a couple of minutes before removing his right boot and walking slowly off the field. Cameras later captured Messi on the bench with a badly swollen right ankle, covering his face and sobbing.

Messi reassured fans via an Instagram post on Monday, stating he was doing well and hoped to return soon.

Inter Miami currently stands second in the Eastern Conference standings.

(With inputs from agencies.)