For many, the signing of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami became monumental. But some people believe it failed to tick all the boxes. Let’s get this straight: Messi has been injured a lot; since he won the World Cup, the years of playing at a high pace are slowly taking a toll on his body. Lionel sustained an ankle injury against Colombia in the Copa America final. So, with the World Cup qualifiers starting tomorrow against Colombia, fans want to know whether he will return to the game. Well, the answer is no; but why?

Messi is still nursing the injury, and it looks like he will not feature in the game. This comes as a huge blow for the Argentina national team who will now be playing without their talisman. Lionel’s ankle twisted during the Copa America final, which initially looked like a softball. But his teammates rallied together and won the Copa America title for Lionel Messi, his second of his career. As Argentina prepares to face Colombia on September 10 at 16:30, the La Albiceleste is currently leading the table with 18 points while Colombia stays in third place at 13 points.

Notably, Messi’s return date is still unknown as an ankle ligament injury causes the player to miss around 3-4 weeks. Considering the player is 37, the recovery process automatically slows down. Lionel Messi missed the game against Chile and the last few games for Inter Miami too. The two teams, though, stay on top of the MLS and World Cup qualifying table, respectively. And yet, Argentina looks like a solid team these days.

The reliance on Messi is starting to fade away as Argentina looks like a solid team now. They have a set goalkeeper in Emiliano Martinez who continues to succeed between the sticks. The midfield sounds promising with Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez taking up the mantle of scoring crucial goals for Argentina. Therefore, Lionel Messi can definitely afford to take his time and get better. But one must say, these injuries have crept up lately.

Lionel Messi missing games at regular intervals

Throughout Messi’s tenure at Inter Miami, he has been absent for 25 matches, split between Argentina and Inter Miami. The muscle and leg injuries have kept coming, causing concern for his fitness. Thus, the game against Columbia will be the 26th match Lionel Messi has missed in recent times. If you look at Messi’s injury history, they have come at regular intervals compared to his time in Barcelona or PSG. He is getting old, mind you; those injuries are taking time to heal. Thus, those knocks are becoming serious and keeping him out for longer periods.

Meanwhile, both South American nations will have a rematch for their Copa America final. Argentina won their last clash with a 1-0 victory in extra time; Lautaro Martinez scored the goal to give Argentina the victory. However, in the Copa America qualifying table, Colombia remains unbeaten. Even Argentina lost a game in this year’s qualification and they hope to end Colombia’s dominance. So, it will be a match for the ages.