Will Lionel Messi feature for Inter Miami against Chicago Fire in MLS?

Lionel Messi was seen wearing a protective boot in the stands during the Toronto game.

With a dominating 3-1 win over Toronto FC at the Chase Stadium, Inter Miami regained the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings of the MLS, sending their fans into a state of ecstasy. However, in a bittersweet moment for the club’s supporters, it was also confirmed that their star player Lionel Messi may have to serve an extended period on the sidelines due to the severity of his ankle injury.

The initial plan post-Copa America was for Messi to join the Miami squad for the Toronto fixture. However, after sustaining a serious ligament injury in his right ankle during Argentina’s Copa America final triumph over Colombia, Messi was eventually ruled out of the match owing to his badly swollen ankle.

According to initial reports, the former Barcelona superstar was supposed to miss only two matches. However, reviewed medical tests showed the seriousness of the injury, with the possibility of him now being ruled out for almost two months.

The 37-year-old forward was seen wearing a protective walking boot on his injured ankle when he attended the Toronto game in the stands along with his family. Goals from Diego Gomez and Federico Redondo (x2) in either half sealed a convincing victory for Inter Miami on the night. Lionel Messi is also set to miss his team’s upcoming match against the Chicago Fire.

At the press conference, head coach Tata Martino stated, “The club’s medical report is out and the information is that regarding the times, it will surely be evaluated week-by-week. We are going to see just how his recovery is without taking any kind of risk.”

The prolonged absence of Lionel Messi will undoubtedly affect the team’s title charge in the league at some point. He has been an integral player for the side, contributing a staggering 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions. However, the Argentina captain didn’t have the best Copa America. During his injury-ridden campaign, he only managed to register one goal and one assist.

Even in Messi’s absence due to the Copa America, Inter Miami recorded an impressive league run of four wins and just one loss. Having lost their star player previously as well to injuries, Inter Miami will hope to continue their reign at the top of the table through their cohesive team performances.

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