Inter Miami issue fresh update on Lionel Messi's ankle injury after Copa America win as Argentina star set for spell on the sidelines

The Argentine legend picked up the injury during the Copa America final at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where the Albiceleste clinched victory over Colombia thanks to a late goal by Lautaro Martínez. Messi had to be taken off midway through the match and was later snapped with tears flowing down his cheeks and his ankle wrapped in ice, as he sat on the bench.

It was earlier expected that Messi would miss two games - on Wednesday, July 19 against Toronto and Saturday, July 20 against Chicago. However, the latest update from Inter Miami's medical department painted a grim picture as it's been confirmed the forward has been sidelined with a ligament injury in his right ankle.

An official statement from Inter Miami read: "Inter Miami CF has provided an injury update presented by Baptist Health for captain Leo Messi. After a medical evaluation, it has been determined that Leo Messi has suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle. The captain's availability will be determined by periodic assessments and the progress of his recovery."

Messi has had an impressive season in Major League Soccer, scoring 12 goals and providing nine assists in 12 appearances. Nonetheless, Tata Martino's men have done well in his absence, winning five of the six matches, and will hope to continue in the same vein until the 37-year-old regains complete fitness.