Messi won't be back any time soon and leaves Inter Miami with a flea behind its ear

Lionel Messi, the name that gets the fans into the stands and turns around the destiny of a game, is going to miss the action. Much to the chagrin of Inter Miami fans and soccer fans in general, the Argentine star has been recovering from his ankle injury. This poses a big question mark for the club: when is he going to be wearing the pink and black shirt again on the pitch?

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Since his signing, Messi has brought to Inter Miami not just another player but a star of global magnitude. Everything he does is followed by fans, media, and obviously by opponents. The time, however, will not be regarding something glorious but about a ligament injury to his right ankle, which just does not want to give in.

During the Copa America final against Colombia, Messi had an injury in his ankle. The impact was hard, but the star went on to continue his duties on the pitch like the warrior he had always been. What nobody expected was that the injury would keep him out for so long. Obviously, Inter Miami did not want to take any chances. The club, with meticulous planning and a medical team that takes care of a player's health in the long run, has decided not to hurry up the recovery process.

What does it all mean for the team? Yes, Inter Miami are a strong team, but without Messi, something's missing—those flashes of brilliance, only brought to life by this man, Messi. His absence was already noted in the last games, and while the club is sure it could easily make the playoffs, the Supporters' Shield—one of the most prestigious trophies in the MLS—will become a task much more challenging.

And that is where the worry lies. Just how long will Inter Miami be able to sustain that rhythm until their captain returns? There is much optimism in the camp, but equally, there is no rush to hurry him back. Some believe he will start his first match for Messi against the Philadelphia Union on September 14. Others say he may need a little more time. The truth is that nobody really knows.

Coach Martino has been careful with the words, and this has just added mystery to everything. "Leo's ankle is … well, you've all seen the pictures. He's had a sprained ankle. There will be more tests to determine the severity of the injury", Martino said during the recent press conference. The coach's words sound like an attempt to calm spirits and leave a margin of uncertainty that bothers.

It's exactly this uncertainty that puts a flea behind everyone's ear. Messi is a warrior—no one disputes that—but at 37, this kind of injury might not be easily curable. Inter Miami know that to keep Messi playing at a high level for longer, now is the time to be cautious. This could be catastrophic not only for this season but for the player's future at the club if forced into a premature return.

Meanwhile, patience for the fanbase becomes the watchword. Each day that goes by without Messi playing feels like forever, and each day only adds to the swirling speculation: Will he be back in time to lead Inter Miami to a playoff position? Or will the 2024 season—in multiple ways—be one where a less present Messi puts longevity over immediacy?

With all this expectation, one thing is clear: Messi is being missed. A lot. Inter Miami are a good team without him, but they lack that sparkle which only someone among the best ever could provide. For the opposition, the absence of Messi is a relief; for soccer, it is everyone's loss.

Messi keeps on working in the gym, struggling every day to return to his best level; Inter Miami remains very cautious and gives no hint about when the Argentine can expect to return. But fans remain hopeful—after all, when Messi finally returns, it will be just like always: to settle games and blow away audiences.

The only concrete thing by now is that Inter Miami are ruling out any kind of risks. Paramount is the assurance of Messi's 100% return, ready to do what he has been doing best. And when that day finally arrives, then shall it really be a celebration for not just the club but for all those in love with soccer. Until then, all we can do is wait, hoping the captain of Argentina shines once again as soon as possible.