Messi to miss next two Miami MLS matches with ankle injury

The Argentine star was forced to leave the field in the 64th minute of a 1-0 win over Colombia, with television cameras capturing his significantly swollen ankle.

Messi is expected to miss Inter Miami's upcoming home matches against Toronto FC on Wednesday and the Chicago Fire on Saturday.

"Further tests will be conducted to assess the severity of the injury," Martino stated. "He will need to undergo additional tests and await the results."

Following Sunday's match, Messi expressed his gratitude for the messages of concern and support he had received in an Instagram post.

"I want to thank everyone for the messages and well-wishes. I'm doing well, thank God, and I hope to return to the field soon to enjoy what I love doing the most," Messi wrote.

With 14 wins and five draws from 23 matches, Inter Miami is currently in second place in the MLS and the Eastern Conference with 47 points, trailing Cincinnati by just one point, after suffering a 6-1 defeat to them on July 6.

Inter Miami is scheduled to begin defending their Leagues Cup title against MLS and Mexican league opponents next week.