Lionel Messi did not partake in Argentina’s Copa America title parade this week after Sunday’s eventual final in Florida on Sunday.
The Inter Miami captain was forced off with injury against Colombia after twisting his ankle, with Messi leaving the pitch in tears, though the forward has since come out with a hopeful message that he will be back playing soon.
With crowd trouble outside the stadium the main headline from the game, Argentina this week returned home to parade their Copa America title win, with the South American giants retaining their title and making it four international trophies out of four.
And details how now emerged over why Messi was not part of the title celebrations.
Messi back at Inter Miami to recover after Argentina Copa America win
According to TyC Sports, Messi, along with Emi Martinez and Nicolas Tagliafico, have returned to Miami to recover from the Copa America final, with Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Otamendi and Geronimo Rulli also missing the parade due to preparations for the 2024 Olympics.
With Messi’s ankle in bad shape and Inter Miami’s season still ongoing, it makes sense why the 37-year-old attacker has opted to return to Florida already rather than head back to Argentina to celebrate the Copa America win.
Indeed, Messi’s fitness has clearly become a top priority for the player and Inter Miami, with the forward already back with the MLS side and likely working on his recovery from his latest injury setback.
And the reigning Ballon d’Or holder heading back to Inter Miami is an encouraging sign that the attacker wants to build his match fitness up ahead of Leagues Cup, with the Herons set to defend their title at the end of this month.
Messi update could be huge for the Herons this summer
Messi heading straight back to Miami after Argentina’s Copa Americ win is nothing short of huge for the Herons, who now have the impression that their star forward wants to push on and to return to action as soon as possible.
With just two MLS games between now and the end of August, Messi has a lot of time to fully recover from his damaged ankle, which could take some time based on the images we saw during the final on Sunday.
The Argentine getting back to his best will be key for Inter Miami, and with Messi choosing to stay in Florida, there’s a good chance that the attacker will do all he can to return to top fitness in the coming weeks.