Lionel Messi left Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup group-stage match against Mexico’s Necaxa after just 11 minutes on Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, clutching the back of his right leg. The 38-year-old forward walked to the sideline unaided but did not return. Inter Miami said on Sunday that scans confirmed “a minor muscle injury” in Messi’s right hamstring. The Major League Soccer club did not give a timetable for his return, stating that medical clearance will depend on his response to treatment. Coach Javier Mascherano indicated the team is unlikely to risk the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in Wednesday’s group finale against Pumas UNAM. Without Messi, Inter Miami twice came from behind, with Jordi Alba’s 90+2-minute header forcing a 2-2 draw before Luis Suárez converted the decisive kick in a 5-4 penalty shootout victory. The result moved Miami to five points from two matches, keeping the club on course for the Leagues Cup quarter-finals while it weighs how quickly to bring its star back to the pitch.
🩷 🖤 El astro argentino Lionel Messi tuvo que abandonar el campo de juego por una lesión en los primeros minutos del partido ante Necaxa https://t.co/oX5Bd5qq3l
🤕 Victime d'une lésion musculaire à la cuisse droite, Lionel Messi est absent jusqu'à nouvel ordre ! https://t.co/udwAMdAi1k
Pelatih Inter Miami, Javier Mascherano, berbicara soal cedera yang diderita Lionel Messi dalam laga Leagues Cup 2025 melawan Necaxa. Baca selengkapnya 👇 https://t.co/IV9oo8oEzE ~MD #LionelMessi #JavierMascherano #LeaguesCup2025 https://t.co/I73ewolrCr