Current:Home > FinanceWhy Messi didn't go to Argentina to celebrate Copa America title: Latest injury update -Aspire Money Growth
Why Messi didn't go to Argentina to celebrate Copa America title: Latest injury update
View
Date:2025-04-22 12:15:56
The Argentine national soccer team, winners of Copa America 2024, returned home to Argentina late Monday night to a hearty welcome from fans and a celebration filled with white and sky-blue confetti and fireworks in the sky.
But at least one star player was missing from the festivities.
Lionel Messi, the most famous player in the sport, did not travel back to his home country to celebrate the Copa America title.
Instead, Messi remained in South Florida where treatment and evaluations have begun on his injured right ankle at his Major League Soccer club Inter Miami.
Messi will not play in Inter Miami home matches Wednesday against Toronto or Saturday against Chicago, coach Tata Martino told reporters on Tuesday.
Martino said Messi has an ankle sprain, and is still being evaluated.
“An ankle injury is unpredictable, it was a twist in a very specific play. And then what usually happens, especially with an ankle issue, and in a final, any player, especially Leo, wanted to stay on the field,” Martino said of Messi.
“He went to the dressing room and tried to continue in the second half but couldn’t go on anymore. But when it’s a final like the Copa América, it’s very difficult to take a player off the field because no one wants to leave such an important match, especially one that is so close.”
Messi’s right ankle inverted to its left side in the 36th minute of the first half of Sunday's match. 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 was forced to tears and left the Copa America final in the 64th minute, watching from the bench as teammate Lautaro Martinez scored the game-winning goal in the 112th minute.
“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 said in an Instagram post on Monday.
Depending on the injury severity, Messi 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.
Follow Safid Deen on X (formerly Twitter) @Safid_Deen and on Instagram @safid_deen.
veryGood! (6684)
Related
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- Eagles’ Don Henley takes the stand at ‘Hotel California’ lyrics trial
- U.S. Army restores honor to Black soldiers hanged in Jim Crow-era South
- Most-Shopped Celeb-Recommended Items This Month: Olivia Culpo, Kyle Richards, Zayn Malik, and More
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- Lionel Messi goal: Inter Miami ties LA Galaxy on late equalizer, with help from Jordi Alba
- Biden is traveling to the U.S.-Mexico border on Thursday, according to AP sources
- Priest accused of selling Viagra and aphrodisiacs suspended by Roman Catholic Church in Spain
- 'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
- Man arrested in connection with Kentucky student wrestler's death: What we know
Ranking
- Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
- Zac Efron Reacts To Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce High School Musical Comparisons
- West Virginia Senate passes bill that would remove marital exemption for sexual abuse
- Laneige’s 25% off Sitewide Sale Includes a Celeb-Loved Lip Mask & Sydney Sweeney Picks
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- Cam Newton involved in fight at Georgia youth football camp
- Lori Loughlin's Gift to Daughter Olivia Jade Will Have You Rolling With Laughter
- Jason Momoa's 584-HP electric Rolls-Royce Phantom II is all sorts of awesome
Recommendation
How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
Military families brace for another government shutdown deadline
Jason Momoa's 584-HP electric Rolls-Royce Phantom II is all sorts of awesome
Counting On's Jeremiah Duggar and Wife Hannah Welcome Baby No. 2
Could your smelly farts help science?
Warren Buffett's annual investor letter is out. Here are the biggest takeaways.
Los Angeles Clippers reveal rebranded logo, uniforms to be worn starting 2024-25 season
Star Trek actor Kenneth Mitchell dead at 49 after ALS battle