MLS expert Andrew Wiebe has given his verdict on whether Lionel Messi will play for Inter Miami in the upcoming Leagues Cup tournament.
The Argentine attacker has been ruled out of the Herons next two MLS games this week after Messi injured his ankle on international duty in the Copa America final, with the forward leaving the pitch in tears.
Whilst Argentina went on to win the Copa America, Messi’s fitness has quickly become the main talking point, with Tata Martino revealing this week that tests are set to be conducted to determine how long the 37-year-old will be out for.
And pundit Wiebe has now given his prediction on how long Messi could be absent from action.
Messi tipped to miss Leagues Cup in Inter Miami blow
Speaking on MLS Extratime, Wiebe made the bold prediction that Messi could miss all of Leagues Cup at the end of the month, with Inter Miami set to launch their title defense of the competition in the coming weeks.
With MLS All-Star week also just around the corner, Messi could miss the showpiece event in Columbus, with Inter Miami likely to rest their star attacker for as long as possible until the veteran superstar is fully healed.
Wiebe said on Messi’s ankle injury: “I know a little something about grade three ankle sprains over the years. I’m not diagnosing it, but with that level of swelling, he’s not going to be back in the next couple weeks you would think.
“It feels like Leagues Cup and a chase of that title defense is likely to come without Messi. If you’re Miami, you can’t risk this dude.”
Inter Miami need to give Messi all the time needed to recover
Messi’s Copa America could not have ended in a more frustrating way for Inter Miami, with the reigning Ballon d’Or holder picking up an injury at the final moment having avoided any serious injury for the entire tournament.
And for Inter Miami, they must now give Messi all the time needed to fully recover from this injury, with the Herons about to hit the home stretch of the MLS regular season next month.
All-Star week and Leagues Cup are two things Messi can afford to miss out on, and for the Herons, everything has to be done to get the Argentine fully fit as quickly as possible.