Lionel Messi will miss at least the next two matches for Inter Miami as he recovers from an ankle sprain, head coach Gerardo Martino said on Tuesday.

Inter Miami will host Toronto FC on Wednesday before another home clash against Chicago next Saturday in Major League Soccer (MLS).

"He [Messi] has a sprain, obviously, and now we have to undertake exams and wait for the results," Martino told reporters.

The Argentina captain sustained the injury during the Albiceleste's 1-0 victory over Colombia on Sunday in the Copa America final.

The 37-year-old tried to continue before eventually limping off in the 64th minute of the clash at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

"He played on for a while, but there came a point when he couldn't go on," Martino said, adding that he did not blame Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni for leaving Messi on the pitch when he was clearly injured.

"When these things happen in finals, it is very difficult to take a player off the pitch because no one wants to leave such an important match," he said.

Inter Miami are currently second in the 15-team MLS Eastern Conference standings, a point behind leaders Cincinnati. 

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)