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Yuvaraja Karunakaran

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Big Blow For Inter Miami: Lionel Messi To Miss Leagues Cup Title Defence

Big Blow For Inter Miami: Lionel Messi To Miss Leagues Cup Title Defence

Big blow for Inter Miami: Lionel Messi to miss Leagues Cup title defence

Lionel Messi may miss Inter Miami's Leagues Cup title defence due to an ankle injury, as Inter Miami has been advised not to risk playing him. Miami coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino stated earlier on Tuesday, before the tests, that Lionel Messi would probably be out of action for at least the team's next two games. Inter Miami will host Chicago Fire on Saturday, July 20, before beginning the Leagues Cup title defence on July 27 at Puebla. The Argentina superstar has suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle. Messi's availability will be determined by periodic assessments and the progress of his recovery following a medical evaluation. Inter Miami earned a comfortable 3-1 win at Chase Stadium over Toronto FC to carry the team's positive momentum forward this season.

Big blow for Inter Miami: Lionel Messi to miss Leagues Cup title defence

The Inter Miami CF Club returns to the top of the Supporters' Shield standings with a total of 50 points from 15 wins, five draws and four losses. Inter Miami will close out the week with a second home fixture this Sunday, July 21, when it hosts Chicago Fire FC at Chase Stadium at 5:00 AM IST. Lionel Messi may miss Inter Miami's Leagues Cup title defence due to an ankle injury, as Inter Miami has been advised not to risk playing him. Miami coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino stated earlier on Tuesday, before the tests, that Lionel Messi would probably be out of action for at least the team's next two games. The Argentina superstar has suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle. Messi's availability will be determined by periodic assessments and the progress of his recovery following a medical evaluation.

1. What happened to Lionel Messi in the Copa America 2024 final?

Argentina captain Lionel Messi capitalized on his moment by taking Argentina's best chance of the first half, hitting a low shot from an Ángel Di María pass that was deflected. He remained heavily involved in the Argentine attacks, making 43 actions with the ball, completing 3 dribbles, and winning 3 ball duels while on the field. Messi hit 85% of the passes he attempted (28 of 33 attempts), including a decisive pass that generated a shot from Argentina.

During the second half, Lionel Messi fought for an additional 21 minutes, but despite giving his all, he had to be substituted for Nico González due to an ankle injury. Someone very passionate about Argentina national football team, Messi didn't hold back his tears after being substituted. He wanted to continue until the end as he had in the past. It was the first time the Argentine GOAT left the field during the finals while representing his country.

2. Lionel Messi to miss Inter Miami's Leagues Cup title defence

Inter Miami announced on Tuesday that Lionel Messi has a ligament injury after a complete evaluation of the two-time Copa America and World Cup champion. Inter Miami coach Tata Martino said that Messi will be evaluated weekly after the match. Inter Miami has not specified a timeline for his recovery in a fitness update. MLS expert Andrew Wiebe has suggested that Messi might miss the upcoming All-Star Game and Leagues Cup.

"The club's medical report is out and the information is that regarding the times, it will surely be evaluated week by week. We are going to see just how his recovery is without taking any kind of risk," Inter Miami coach Tata Martino said of Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi wore a walking boot on his injured right ankle and watched as Inter Miami regained first place in the MLS Eastern Conference with a 3-1 victory against Toronto FC on Wednesday night. Messi sat alongside his wife and children during the match at Inter Miami's Chase Stadium. He was ruled out of the Toronto match and won't play in Inter Miami's next game on Saturday against Chicago as he continues to recover from his Copa America 2024 ankle injury.

3. What's next for the GOAT Lionel Messi?

The best football player in history now has 45 trophies to his name after claiming a second Copa America title. The Argentina national football team successfully defended their title on U.S. soil, with an extra-time goal from Lautaro Martinez enough to secure a dramatic final victory over Colombia. Messi left the game in tears after suffering an unfortunate ankle injury. Immediate fears arose regarding his fitness for the return to domestic action at MLS side Inter Miami. 

"I know a little something about grade three ankle sprains over the years. I'm not diagnosing it, but with that level of swelling, he's not going to be back in the next couple weeks you would think. It feels like Leagues Cup and a chase of that title defence is likely to come without Messi. If you're Miami, you can't risk this dude," MLS expert Andrew Wiebe said.

Talking about the latest Football news, there is no update on how long the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will be sidelined, but the legendary 37-year-old has suggested that he will not be out for long. Lionel Messi inspired Inter Miami to victory in the Leagues Cup shortly after joining the team in Florida during the summer of 2023. He has sparked conversations about being the most valuable player this season, but the team is not willing to take any risks concerning his long-term fitness as they aim to make history in 2024 by winning the MLS Cup for the first time.

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