Messi 'doing well' after Copa America ankle injury, says he'll return 'hopefully soon'
Lionel Messi says he’s doing well and is hopeful to return to action “hopefully soon” in an Instagram post Monday, one day after injuring his right ankle in the Copa America final, which Argentina won 1-0 against Colombia in Miami.
“Copa America is over and the first thing I want to thank everyone for the messages and greetings. I'm doing well, thank God, and hopefully soon I can be on the court again enjoying what I love doing most,” Messi wrote in his post.
It’s unclear the extent of Messi’s ankle injury, and how long it could sideline him from returning to action with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Messi will likely miss two Inter Miami matches this week (Wednesday and Sunday). He also has the potential to miss the MLS All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio, on July 24, and Inter Miami’s first two Leagues Cup matches on July 27 at home and Aug. 3 in Houston.
Messi was forced to tears after his exit in the 64th minute during the Copa America final. His right ankle inverted to its left side in the 36th minute of the first half, causing major swelling. He endured a long delay with Shakira performing the halftime show, and tried to play in second half until he fell over while running and immediately signaled toward the Argentine bench.
Messi watched from the sidelines as the match reached extra time, where teammate Lautaro Martinez scored the game-winning goal in the 112th minute.
Messi added he’s very happy after Argentina achieved its goal, winning its second straight Copa America title to add to its World Cup crown in 2022.
“We are a team and also a family, a spectacular group. Thanks to everyone who was supporting us, this national team has a lot of present and a lot of future, too. Let's go Argentina,” Messi said.