Inter Miami make Lionel Messi statement following 'horror injury' during Copa America final

Inter Miami have issued an injury update on Lionel Messi after he was brought off during the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia.

In the 66th minute of Sunday's clash at the Hard Rock Stadium, Florida, an emotional Messi was replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez after landing awkwardly on his right ankle.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who went on to lift his second consecutive Copa America trophy thanks to a Lautaro Martinez's extra-time winner, burst into tears as cameras showed him on the bench with a badly swollen ankle.

Earlier this week, Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino said that Messi was expected to miss at least two matches.

"He twisted his ankle, and the injury is present so tests are needed and (we) wait for results," Martino told reporters. "I've had the opportunity to see other images. There will be tests done to determine the severity of the situation.

"We are always informed through our kinesiologist Walter Insaurralde, who is also the kinesiologist of the national team. He is very cautious at giving a final diagnosis before results are in."

But it appears the Argentine forward could be out for a lengthy period after test results confirmed that he has suffered a ligament injury.

Inter Miami confirmed the news in a statement, saying: "Inter Miami CF has provided an injury update presented by Baptist Health for captain Leo Messi.

"After a medical evaluation, it has been determined that Leo Messi has suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle. The captain's availability will be determined by periodic assessments and the progress of his recovery."

It will be a huge blow to Martino's side, who currently sit second in the Eastern Conference standings ahead of games against Toronto FC and Chicago Fire this week.

Image credit: X/@FearedBuck

Messi did not join his Argentina teammates in Buenos Aires on Monday for their post-match celebrations, but would later post an update on his Instagram.

"I want to thank everyone for the messages and greetings," he said. "I'm fine, thank God, and I hope I can soon be on the field again enjoying what I like to do most. I am happy, very happy, especially because we achieved the goal we had wanted."

The 37-year-old added: "We are a team and also a family, a spectacular group…this National Team has a lot of present and a lot of future too. Let's go Argentina!"