Lionel Messi: Inter Miami star suffers injury in Leagues Cup

Lionel Messi suffered an injury early in Inter Miami's Leagues Cup Phase One match against Necaxa at Chase Stadium on Saturday. He was forced off the pitch just minutes into the game after stumbling to the turf when crowded by multiple defenders while dribbling. Messi appeared frustrated and received extensive medical treatment on the field, seemingly for his right hamstring or groin area.

Following the on-field treatment, Messi walked off the pitch and went down the tunnel for further evaluation. Coach Javier Mascherano substituted Federico Redondo into the game in the 11th minute to replace the injured star. Inter Miami ultimately won the match 5-4 in a penalty shootout.

Speaking after the match, head coach Mascherano stated that Messi "felt a discomfort" and the severity of the injury wouldn't be known until the next day. Mascherano indicated "there's probably something there," but noted Messi "was really not in pain" and felt "a pull."

This injury concern comes after Messi was hampered by adductor and thigh strain issues earlier in 2024, causing him to miss Argentina's March World Cup qualifiers. Despite that, he has had a strong season with Inter Miami, tallying 18 goals and nine assists in 18 league appearances. He also provided assists for both goals in Miami's 2-1 Leagues Cup opener against Atlas just days before the Necaxa match.

Inter Miami concludes the Leagues Cup group stage against Pumas UNAM on Wednesday. Their next MLS match is scheduled for August 10th against Orlando City. Should they advance, the Leagues Cup quarterfinals begin on August 19th. Messi previously led Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup title in 2023.