In a dramatic turn of events during Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup clash against Necaxa on Saturday night, soccer icon Lionel Messi sent shockwaves through the fanbase after limping off the field in the 11th minute. The South Florida club delivered a sobering update on Sunday, revealing that the 38-year-old Argentine superstar suffered a minor muscle injury in his right leg. According to the team, Messi’s return to the pitch will hinge on his clinical progress and response to treatment, leaving fans anxiously awaiting further news on their talisman.
The injury occurred early in the match when Messi collided with two Necaxa defenders at the edge of the penalty area in the seventh minute. Despite briefly soldiering on, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was unable to continue and was substituted for Federico Redondo, heading straight to the locker room. The incident cast a shadow over an otherwise resilient performance by Inter Miami, who battled to a 2–2 draw in regulation before clinching victory in a tense penalty shootout, securing two crucial points to keep their 2025 Leagues Cup hopes alive.
Messi’s 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular, with the maestro logging heavy minutes under head coach Javier Mascherano. The Argentine has featured for over 85 minutes in 27 matches, delivering a staggering 24 goals and 10 assists across all competitions. His relentless brilliance has been a cornerstone of Inter Miami’s campaign, but it hasn’t come without cost. The club’s co-owner, Jorge Mas, and Mascherano opted to rest Messi for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, citing fatigue and frustration over a subsequent one-match suspension. Mas emphasized Messi’s all-or-nothing approach, stating, “When Messi plays, Messi plays 90 minutes, and if you see him playing less, he’s injured. That’s how Lionel has played here and will continue.”
This latest setback adds to Messi’s injury-plagued 2025. Earlier this year, he missed Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers due to adductor and thigh strain issues, echoing challenges from 2024 when a torn leg muscle sustained in the Copa América final sidelined him for an extended period. Despite these hurdles, Messi’s impact remains undeniable, having led Inter Miami to Leagues Cup glory in 2023.
As Inter Miami prepares to face Pumas UNAM in the Leagues Cup on Wednesday, followed by a high-stakes MLS showdown against Florida rivals Orlando City SC on August 10, all eyes will be on Messi’s recovery. Fans are left hoping their star can return to his dazzling best, defying the odds once again in a season already filled with triumphs and trials.