Lionel Messi has suffered a minor muscle injury in his right leg, Inter Miami confirmed in an official medical update released Sunday morning. The Argentine captain felt discomfort just eight minutes into the team’s Leagues Cup match against Necaxa and was immediately replaced by Federico Redondo.
The injury occurred during the second group stage match of the Leagues Cup, which Inter Miami went on to win via penalty shootout. Messi was seen massaging the back of his right leg before lying down on the pitch near the home bench at Chase Stadium, clearly in pain. Medical staff attended to him before he walked off and went directly to the locker room.
Inter Miami stated that “his medical clearance will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment.” No specific timeline for his return was given.
Messi’s injury doesn’t just impact Inter Miami. With Argentina set to play its final two World Cup Qualifiers in September, Lionel Scaloni and his staff will also be monitoring the situation closely. Though the injury is considered minor, it’s uncertain whether Messi will recover in time to participate in the next double matchday.
Teammate and fellow veteran Jordi Alba expressed concern after the match:
“It’s a huge sadness that he got injured. For us, he’s a vital player. Hopefully it’s nothing serious because we really need him.”
Messi has a history of recent injuries, including a hamstring issue in March 2024, which sidelined him for both Inter Miami and the Argentine national team. Later, during the 2024 Copa América final, he sustained a ligament injury to his right ankle, which didn’t require surgery but kept him out for weeks. Earlier this year, he also missed Argentina’s matches against Uruguay and Brazil due to a left adductor problem.
Messi will miss Wednesday’s game against Pumas, the final group stage fixture in the Leagues Cup. Mundo Albiceleste will be on-site covering the match live as official media.
He is also expected to miss Sunday’s MLS showdown against Orlando City on August 10. Depending on how his recovery progresses, it’s likely he could sit out additional matches as well.
