Argentina and Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has been ruled out of the MLS All-Star Game against the Liga MX All-Stars owing to an injury suffered during the Copa America.
Messi started the final against Colombia but suffered a twisted ankle and had to be withdrawn shortly after the hour-mark.
Lionel Messi Injury: Superstar to miss MLS All-Star Game
Initial diagnosis from the Argentine medical team ruled out any fracture, but images from when Lionel Messi was on the bench clearly showed the extent of the swelling. He was attempting to a play a right-footed pass when he landed awkwardly on the same foot and twisted it.
Argentina went on to win the final courtesy of a late goal from Lautaro Martinez. However, it proved to be a bittersweet ending for Messi, who may have played his last-ever Copa America match.
Since then, Lionel Messi has also missed two of Inter Miami’s MLS games, viz. wins against Toronto (3-1) and Chicago Fire (2-1). Despite the Argentine’s absence, Tata Martino’s side have done well and are top of the Eastern Conference, but will hope for a swift return for their captain and superstar.
The 37-year-old has had an incredible season for Miami so far. He has made 15 appearances across competitions and has bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in the process.
MLS All-Star Game: Roster Update
Messi was fully expected to feature in this year’s MLS All-Star Game, but has been listed as unavailable alongside club teammate Luis Suarez. Their club teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets have been included in the lineup.
The league’s official website released a statement about the same, which read:
“Leo Messi will miss the All-Star Game due to an ankle injury, while Luis Suarez, who recently returned from international duty after over 40 days away from the club, will miss the All-Star Game due to knee discomfort.”
The MLS roster includes other notable players such as Hugo Lloris, Christian Benteke and Federico Bernardeschi. The Liga MX All-Stars team, on the other hand, will have Andre-Pierre Gignac and Salomon Rondon in their ranks for the match.
The match will take place at the Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio, on the 25th of July and will kick-off at 1:00 AM GMT.
ALSO READ: From Mbappe to Messi: Big Names Absent from the Paris 2024 Olympics