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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<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><ul><li>Messi recovering from ankle injury</li><li>Posts rare photo with family dog</li><li>Pet has eyes on his mate drink</li></ul>

Lionel Messi poses for rare photo with family dog - who hilariously seems to have eyes on his mate drink - as Inter Miami star continues recovery from ankle injury

World Cup Qualification CONMEBOL

Argentina

Peru

While Messi continues his period of convalescence, after picking up an <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">ankle injury</a> in <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/argentina-player-ratings-colombia-lionel-messi-lautaro-martinez/blte69368f2e711b37d" target="_blank">Argentina's Copa America final win over Colombia</a>, the 37-year-old has been enjoying some downtime with his family. One such instance was captured by his wife Antonela Roccuzzo, who took a photo of him and their dog Abu.

WHAT HAPPENED?

In the photo, Messi posed with his apricot toy poodle and his wife captioned the Instagram story: "@Leomessi (a mate emoji) y (and) abu."<picture><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt1597d553e61a2264/Screenshot%202024-08-07%20153321.png?format=webp" type="image/webp"><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt1597d553e61a2264/Screenshot%202024-08-07%20153321.png?format=jpg" type="image/jpeg"><img src="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt1597d553e61a2264/Screenshot%202024-08-07%20153321.png?format=jpg" alt="Lionel Messi and his family dog" data-source="Instagram" data-copyright="Instagram" data-portal-copyright="Instagram" perform:prop="uuid:blt1597d553e61a2264;width:418;height:565"></picture>

WHAT LIONEL MESSI DID

Messi is coming to the end of his legendary career but he will hope this ankle setback does not keep him on the sidelines for long. He will be itching to get back to action for Inter Miami, who are trying to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/lionel-messi-trophy-inter-miami-leagues-cup/blt319efd514f54cbd0" target="_blank">defend their Leagues Cup title</a> this month - while also helping them in their bid to win Major League Soccer this season.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

While Messi steps up his recovery, Miami take on Toronto on August 8 in the round of 32 in the Leagues Cup, before locking horns with Cincinnati in a top-of-the-table clash in the Eastern Conference of the MLS. It remains to be seen when the former Barcelona star will be back for the American side.

WHAT NEXT?

Lionel Messi poses for rare photo with family dog - who hilariously seems to have eyes on his mate drink - as Inter Miami star continues recovery from ankle injury | Goal.com

Lionel Messi posed for a rare photo with the family&apos;s dog, who appeared to have eyes for the Argentine legend&apos;s mate drink.