Lionel Messi gives fitness update after tearful Copa America final exit in X-rated message to Argentina supporters as he also pays tribute to retiring Angel Di Maria

The most-decorated player in history now has 45 trophies to his name after claiming a second continental crown. The Albiceleste successfully defended that title on U.S. soil, with an extra-time goal from Lautaro Martinez enough to see off Colombia in a dramatic final showdown.

Messi exited that game in tears after suffering an unfortunate ankle injury that raised immediate fears regarding his fitness heading into a return to domestic action at MLS side Inter Miami. There is no news on how long the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will be sidelined for, but the mercurial 37-year-old has suggested that he will not be out for long.

Messi has said in an emotional Instagram post: “Copa America is over and firstly I want to thank everyone for the messages and greetings. I'm doing well, thank God, and hopefully soon I can be on the pitch again enjoying what I love doing most. I'm happy, a lot, especially because we achieved the goal we had and Fide [Angel Di Maria] leaves us with another Copa. The biggest ones, like him, Ota or me, we live it with special excitement, with other team-mates who already have several tournaments and add their experience as well, and with a litter of young people who give their all in every ball. We are a team and also a family, a spectacular group. Thanks to everyone who was supporting us, this national team has a lot of present and a lot of future too. Let's go Argentina f*ckkkkk!”

Inter Miami have already been without talismanic captain Messi for five games and are desperate to welcome him back into their ranks – alongside veteran Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez. Argentina’s GOAT will require treatment when rejoining the Herons fold, but is hoping to respond positively to that as his sights shift to an ongoing bid for MLS Cup glory.