'Can't risk this dude' – Lionel Messi tipped to miss Leagues Cup title defence as Inter Miami sent ankle injury warning that caused serious 'swelling' at Copa America

The Argentine superstar picked up an unfortunate knock while on international duty at the 2024 Copa America. He was forced out of the final at that tournament in tears, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner rolling his ankle on the turf at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

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Messi was strapped with ice on the bench, but serious swelling was spotted around his right foot. He went on to lift the Copa trophy – with his record-breaking haul of major honours taken to 45 – but another enforced spell on the sidelines will now be taken in.

Inter Miami have put no timescale on his recovery when delivering a fitness update, but MLS expert Andrew Wiebe has told MLS Extratime of Messi potentially sitting out the upcoming All-Star Game and Leagues Cup: “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.”

Messi inspired Inter Miami to Leagues Cup glory within weeks of his arrival in Florida during the summer of 2023. He has generated MVP talk this season, but no gambles will be taken on his long-term fitness as the Herons look to make history in 2024 by savouring MLS Cup glory for the first time.