Yamal isn't Barca's new Messi - but comparisons are fair

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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="footballco-bet-betsense">{"type":"footballco-bet-betsense","data":{}}</script><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><ul><li>All-time great injured at Copa America</li><li>No return date put in place as yet</li><li>Martino's side able to win without him</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Lionel Messi forces smile while restricted to Inter Miami spectator role – with Argentine superstar attending MLS fixture alongside wife Antonela & son Thiago in Herons’ new third kit

Major League Soccer

New York City FC

Inter Miami CF

Colorado Rapids

Toronto FC

<p>The Argentine superstar was always unlikely to figure in that contest after helping his country to another Copa America crown in the 2024 edition of that event. The Herons were, however, hoping to see their <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/will-lionel-messi-miss-mls-all-star-game-injury-fear-inter-miami-superstar-leagues-cup-threatened-copa-america-ankle/blt580312ad93965700" target="_blank">talismanic captain returned to them in full working order</a>.</p><div class="affiliate-button-container theme-1" data-name="Apple TV"><div class="affiliate-button"><img class="logo" height="40" width="72" src="https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt2de198b67da95a2e/65709d2436cf7d0407034ef9/Apple_TV.png" style="width: 72px; height: 40px;"><span class="affiliate-text">Get the MLS Season Pass today!</span></div><a href="https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.7000?itsct=goal_mls&amp;itscg=30200&amp;at=1010l39UY" class="affiliate-button-link" target="_blank">Stream games now</a></div>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>That has not been the case, with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-lionel-messi-ankle-swells-size-golf-ball-argentina-inter-miami-superstar-tears-injury-copa-america-final-colombia/bltfebca9f5b14d26cd" target="_blank">Messi suffering an unfortunate ankle injury in the Copa final</a>. It remains to be seen how long he will be sidelined for, with suggestions that he <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-miss-leagues-cup-title-defence-inter-miami-ankle-injury-warning-copa-america/bltc9c2276fde23270b" target="_blank">could sit out the upcoming MLS All-Star Game and defence of a Leagues Cup crown</a>.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>An enforced break is not what Messi was after, despite his packed schedule with club and country. He did break into a smile of sorts when watching on from the stands as Inter Miami saw off Toronto 3-1 at Chase Stadium. He was joined at that game by wife Antonela and son Thiago – who was sporting the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-inter-miami-third-kit-mls-side-nfl-inspired-jersey/blt5774c70bc220be8b" target="_blank">new Herons third kit</a>.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Messi will not be rushed back into action, as no gambles are taken on his fitness, and he should still have an important role to play in Inter Miami’s bid to savour MLS Cup glory in 2024 – with Tata Martino’s side back at the top of the Eastern Conference.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Lionel Messi forces smile while restricted to Inter Miami spectator role – with Argentine superstar attending MLS fixture alongside wife Antonela & son Thiago in Herons’ new third kit | Goal.com Kenya

Lionel Messi was able to force a smile after being restricted to a spectator role for Inter Miami during their MLS clash with Toronto FC.

Lionel Messi forces smile while restricted to Inter Miami spectator role – with Argentine superstar attending MLS fixture alongside wife Antonela &amp; son Thiago in Herons’ new third kit