Injured Lionel Messi Joins Inter Miami's Celebration of His 45th Major Title Post Copa America Win

Inter Miami beat Chicago Fire hard-fought 2-1 in a heated MLS game. With Matías Rojas opening the score in the sixth minute, the game got started brilliantly. With Rafael Czichos equalise the score in the 73rd minute, Chicago Fire valiantly battled back. Inter Miami, however, would not be denied when Jordi Alba sealed the home team's victory by finding the back of the net in the 75th minute. Inter Miami's tenacity proved crucial in this exciting meeting at Chase Stadium, with eighteen shots against Chicago's fourteen. 

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Inter Miami celebrated Lionel Messi’s success ahead of Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire

Lionel Messi, the Argentine great, hobbled onto the pitch during an Inter Miami game while wearing a protective boot, six days after his ankle swelled up to nearly double its size, forcing him out in the second half of the Copa America final.

Despite being out for the duration of the match due to injury, Messi was there to collect a plaque honouring his 45th major title victory for both club and nation. This count comprises Inter Miami's first piece of trophy, the historic Leagues Cup triumph from last year.

Though many wanted to see Messi wearing Inter Miami's iconic pink shirt instead of a protective boot, the audience gave him rousing applause.

Despite not living up to the high expectations for his performance in the Copa America event, Messi successfully guided Argentina to triumph by defeating Colombia in the final match after additional playing time when Lautaro Martinez stood up and scored the decider.

Messi's post-Copa America endeavours have primarily revolved around his injuries and his responsibilities as the team's captain. After the squad won, Enzo Fernandez, an Argentina teammate and Chelsea star, was recorded screaming a racist song on the team bus. He has subsequently shown remorse and apologised for his actions. Messi had not been present throughout the event.

Lionel Messi has refrained from making any public statements over Fernandez's conduct.