‘La Pulga’ is Out 🤕
Even the most severe injury would not sideline Messi for two years…
On the eve of the final, the 2024 Copa America tickets exceeded $1,700 just to get into Hard Rock Stadium for a chance to see Lionel Messi lead Argentina to another trophy versus Colombia. An ankle injury prompted Messi to leave the pitch early and put his status for the MLS season in doubt.
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There is no word on the severity of the injury, but chances are it is significant for Messi to leave the final early. The MLS news is already impacting ticket prices as fans can now see Inter Miami play Toronto FC for as low as $27 plus fees.
Even without official news, it would be a major surprise if Messi suited up for Inter Miami in the near future. Messi’s status for future MLS games is now in doubt.
The moment it all hits 😢😭
Both Messi and Cristiano crying in their respective tournaments, the end is near 😞#Messi
— BetUS Soccer ⚽ (@BetUSSoccer) July 15, 2024
It Would Be a Surprise if Messi Played in the MLS All-Star Game
This not only calls into question Messi’s status for Miami, but also the upcoming MLS All-Star game in Columbus. Messi and the MLS All-Stars were slated to play the Liga MX All-Stars on July 24.
The Inter Miami has three matches remaining on the schedule for July. Even if Messi were completely healthy, it would not have been a surprise if Miami held out the star for some rest after a grueling Copa America tourney.
Lionel Messi in tears after being subbed out due to injury 💔 pic.twitter.com/gzZtbGmxLB
— Bő (@MutedBo) July 15, 2024
Will Messi Play in the 2026 World Cup?
There are sure to be plenty of MLS rumors about Messi’s availability. Judging by the viral photos of Messi’s ankle, the legend could be headed for some extended time off.
Some are estimating that Messi’s injury could cost the MLS millions, but this is hard to quantify such numbers without a return timeline. Similarly, others are questioning whether Messi’s injury will impact his availability for the 2026 World Cup.
🇦🇷 ARGENTINA ARE COPA AMERICA CHAMPIONS!
THEIR SECOND COPA AMÉRICA IN A ROW 🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/ckkRSAmhOP
— BetUS Soccer ⚽ (@BetUSSoccer) July 15, 2024
Even the most severe injury would not sideline Messi for two years. If Messi does skip the World Cup, it would likely have more to do with the star going out on top with Argentina, notching back-to-back trophies at the World Cup and Copa America. Perhaps the allure of playing in America can entice Messi to play in one more World Cup.
The recent injury news is unfortunate for Messi and also fans who paid hundreds of dollars for Inter Miami tickets months in advance. This is why I advise against purchasing tickets in advance, but here’s hoping Messi has a speedy recovery.
🚨🇦🇷 Leo Messi on being part of the squad for World Cup 2026: “It depends on how I feel, how I am physically, and being realistic with myself”.
“There’s still a lot of time left… in quotes, ‘a lot and a little,’ because it goes by quickly, but there is still some time and I… pic.twitter.com/ac3D6NPMvy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 7, 2024
The Inter-Miami standings have Messi’s squad just one point back of Cincinnati at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
