Lionel Messi sports hefty ankle boot as Inter Miami star and wife Antonela Roccuzzo are joined by Luis Suarez on a boat for post-Copa America vacation

In a vacataion picture from a boat posted by Antonela, Messi's protective boot could clearly be seen. The couple hadn't gone away alone, with Inter Miami colleague Suarez and his wife also appearing in a later snap. The pair of forwards first became firm friends during their time at Barcelona and were reunited in Miami for the 2024 MLS season.

Messi suffered a painful ankle injury during the recent Copa America final, forced out of the game 66 minutes in - despite his desire to play on - as Argentina eventually beat Colombia.

Inter Miami are top of the Eastern Confernce, even in Messi's absence. The Herons lost top spot earlier this month after a shock record defeat at the hands of challengers FC Cincinnati, but have won back-to-back games since to reclaim first place. Messi hasn't played for the team since June 2.

Given that Messi was reduced to a slow limp when he was being honoured at Miami's MLS clash with Chicago Fire over the weekend, it may be some time before he is back playing. At present, there is no timeline on his recovery beyond "indefinite".