Inter Miami will not be able to use Lionel Messi for the time being, according to coach Gerardo Tata Martino at the press conference on Tuesday. The Argentine superstar injured his ankle in the final of the Copa América.

Messi started as a starter in the match won against Colombia (1-0, after extra time), but from the sixtieth minute of play he had to follow the match from the dugout.

In an attempt to win the ball, Messi twisted his ankle and the 37-year-old left the field in tears, knowing it was possibly his last ever Copa América appearance.

Inter Miami will have to do without Messi for at least two games, Martino says during the press moment. It is clear that the Argentinean has sprained his ankle, although further research is still needed to determine the seriousness of the injury.

“We now have to investigate it further and wait for the results,” says Martino. “Our physiotherapist is constantly monitoring the right ankle. He is also very cautious about making a definitive diagnosis until he has completed all the tests.”

Inter Miami desperately needs Messi, as the club currently occupies second place in the Eastern Conference MLS. Martino will have to find a replacement for Messi for the games against Toronto and Chicago Fire, while he is still a question mark for the Leagues Cup clash with Puebla on July 28.

In the current season, Messi has scored twelve goals and provided fourteen assists in twelve appearances. He has had to miss eleven matches due to injuries and international commitments.

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