Luis Suarez delivers ‘getting closer’ injury update on Lionel Messi as Inter Miami wait on talismanic captain to recover from ankle damage

After starring for the Herons through the opening weeks of the 2024 MLS campaign, Messi headed off on international duty in mid-June. He helped to inspire Argentina to Copa America glory, but was forced out of the final at that tournament in tears.

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Messi did get his hands on the trophy – the 45th of his record-shattering career – but rolled his right ankle to the point that a protective boot has been required since rejoining the ranks at Inter Miami. The 37-year-old has been restricted to a spectator role for MLS and Leagues Cup action.

No timescale has been put on his recovery, with many team-mates being left in the dark, but Suarez told reporters when asked how his fellow former Barcelona star is doing: “Everyone knows how committed Leo is to this club, with his national team and his desire to be on the field. But as the days go by he is getting closer to his return to the field, which is where we all want to see him.”

Messi has been rewriting the history books again in 2024, with MVP talk being generated in the States, and it may be that he sits out the defence of a Leagues Cup crown in order to be fully recovered for the business end of an MLS Cup quest.