Lionel Messi’s latest injury has sparked concern among Inter Miami fans, as the club confirmed that the superstar sustained a minor muscle injury in his right leg during Saturday night’s Leagues Cup clash against Necaxa at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The injury occurred early in the match when Messi collided with Necaxa defenders Raúl Sánchez and Alexis Peña while attempting a dribble inside the box. After tumbling to the ground, Messi appeared visibly frustrated, slamming his hand on the turf before calling for medical assistance. Just minutes later, he exited the match in the 11th minute and walked straight to the locker room—raising fears of a more serious issue.
Head coach Javier Mascherano later reassured fans, downplaying the severity of the injury. He noted that while Messi wasn’t in significant pain, he did report some muscle discomfort. Inter Miami issued a statement the following day confirming a minor strain in the right leg and noted that Messi’s return would depend on how he responds to treatment in the coming days.
Despite the early setback, Inter Miami managed to rally. Jordi Alba equalized late in the game, forcing a 2-2 draw in regulation before the team pulled off a 5-4 victory in the penalty shootout. The comeback earned Miami an extra point in the group stage and provided a much-needed morale boost.
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The match came amid a week of controversy off the pitch, as Messi’s personal bodyguard was reportedly banned by Leagues Cup officials due to breaches of sideline protocol. With the spotlight now on Messi’s recovery, the club is expected to proceed cautiously, prioritizing his long-term fitness as they aim to push deeper into the tournament.
For now, Messi’s status is considered day-to-day, with fans and the team hopeful for a swift return from the World Cup winner who has played a crucial role in the squad’s success this season.
