Lionel Messi, the undisputed maestro of the beautiful game, continues to etch his name into football’s history books, even when sidelined. Despite missing time on the pitch due to injury, his Inter Miami teammates carried the torch, ensuring the Argentine legend’s remarkable record remains untarnished in the 2025 Leagues Cup.
With a commanding 3–1 victory over Liga MX’s Pumas UNAM, Inter Miami stormed into the Leagues Cup quarterfinals, securing second place among 18 MLS teams in Phase One. This triumph keeps alive Messi’s jaw-dropping streak: he has never been eliminated in the group stages—or Phase One—of any tournament in his illustrious career, spanning both club and country. From Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, Argentina to Inter Miami, every competition Messi has entered has seen his team advance to the knockout rounds. While he hasn’t hoisted every trophy, his clubs have always fought their way to the decisive stages—a testament to his enduring brilliance.
This latest milestone in the Leagues Cup, where MLS and Liga MX teams face off in a unique 18-team table format with just three cross-league matches, further cements Messi’s legacy. It also sets him apart from longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo, whose career, while extraordinary, includes five group-stage exits with club and country, including the 2004 Athens Olympics, 2005–06 Champions League, 2014 World Cup, 2020–21 UEFA Nations League, and 2022–23 UEFA Nations League. Messi’s flawless record? Untouched.
However, the road hasn’t been without challenges. During Inter Miami’s second Phase One match against Necaxa, Messi limped off in the 11th minute with a muscle injury to his right leg, forcing him to miss the final group-stage game. His absence only amplified the resolve of his teammates, who rallied to keep his record intact. Now, as Inter Miami prepares for a heated Florida derby against Orlando City SC in MLS play, all eyes are on Messi’s recovery ahead of their Leagues Cup quarterfinal clash against Tigres UANL, set for August 19 or 20.
The stakes are high. Should Inter Miami advance to the Leagues Cup final or secure third place on August 31 against formidable opponents like Seattle Sounders FC, Puebla, LA Galaxy, or Pachuca, they’ll earn a coveted spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. For Messi, alongside teammates like Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suárez, this presents yet another opportunity to add to their glittering trophy collections.