When will Lionel Messi return from ankle injury? Inter Miami coach Tata Martino offers concerning update on superstar

Messi became a two-time Copa America champion against Colombia last month while on duty with Argentina. However, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner went off injured during the clash and has yet to return to action with Inter Miami. Herons boss Martino has admitted that he does not know when Messi will be able to return to the field.

Speaking to the media, Martino said: "Leo is progressing as expected, but there’s still no precise date for when he might rejoin the group. He continues to work separately.

"Leo’s absence affects us in different ways. At times, his absence is compounded by the absence of other key players. But even when it’s just him missing, it’s a significant factor. We’ve aimed to build not only a competitive team but also a competitive squad.

"When everyone is available, we are much more reliable and capable of truly competing. Our priority is to resolve the situation with Leo as quickly as possible while maintaining our competitiveness in his absence.”

Inter Miami are currently in the process of defending the Leagues Cup title that they won last year thanks to Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba's experience along with Robert Taylor's exquisite form. However, despite their star Argentinian being out injured, the Herons have fared fairly well in both the Leagues Cup and Major League Soccer. Inter Miami lead the MLS's Eastern Conference and are in the last-16 of the Leagues Cup.

Messi has reportedly returned to the training field but has only been training privately and has not been introduced to the team's squad training sessions. It is unlikely that the Argentine will be able to return until the end of the month.