Lionel Messi injury would be massive blow to Leagues Cup

Lionel Messi may have lifted a second Copa America trophy on Sunday evening, but it came at the cost of a serious injury. A challenge toward the end of the first half looked minuscule. Yet, replays showed a Colombian defender collided with Messi’s right ankle to block a cross. While Messi tried to continue, he slipped on the wet grass and aggravated the injury. He eventually needed a substitution. Messi’s tears helped indicate the severity of the injury, as did cameras spotting the massive swelling on Messi’s ankle.

The original plan before the injury was to have Messi return to action with his club, Inter Miami, soon after the Copa America. The Major League Soccer season has rolled on throughout the Copa America. Inter Miami has played five games without its talisman, collecting an impressive four wins for 12 points in that span. As a result, Inter Miami remains near the top of the MLS table. However, the onus is soon turning to the Leagues Cup, the competition Messi made his Miami debut in last season.

As of press time, there have been no further updates regarding the severity of Messi’s ankle injury. Based on his emotions, it looks serious. Granted, some of the tears Messi shed came from the moment in which it occurred. The Copa America Final could have been Messi’s last game with Argentina, it was just not as formal as Angel Di Maria’s sign-off from the national team. The Argentine has said he is not committing to the World Cup 2026, but the door remains open should he remain healthy.

Prioritizing health puts Messi on the questionable list for Leagues Cup after injury

Remaining healthy would mean more time off for Messi. He would have to nurse the ankle injury back to full health to not exacerbate the injury for what remains of his future. That puts his status for the Leagues Cup under the microscope. The month-long competition starts in less than two weeks, and Inter Miami will be one of the driving forces for viewership….

Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/lionel-messi-injury-would-be-massive-blow-to-leagues-cup/

Author : Kyle Fansler

Publish date : 2024-07-15 17:48:10

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