Bad news for Inter Miami. Ten minutes into the match against Necaxa in the 2025 Leagues Cup, Lionel Messi was forced to leave the field after suffering a muscle injury.
Inter Miami are looking to continue their good run after winning their Leagues Cup opener against Atlas 2-1. However, Messi’s injury is a major blow for Javier Mascherano’s team, which loses its captain and attacking reference point.
The Argentine star started on the right side, as he usually does. In that area, near midfield, he received a pass from Rodrigo De Paul and immediately drove toward the opposing goal. Just as he was about to enter the box, he lost the ball and showed signs of discomfort — the first warning of what would happen just seconds later.
Seconds later, Messi went to the ground on the field near the sideline, raising alarms for Mascherano and the entire coaching staff. The team’s medical staff attended to the Argentine, who ultimately could not continue and was replaced by Federico Redondo.
Despite the Argentine’s injury, moments after his exit, Rodrigo De Paul provided a fine assist for Telasco Segovia, who scored a stunning goal from outside the box to give the Americans the lead over the Mexicans.
However, five minutes later, Inter Miami suffered the sending off of Maximiliano Falcon, leaving the team with one man down. Necaxa took advantage and equalized the match in the 33rd minute with a goal from Tomas Badaloni.
What’s next for Inter Miami?
The Herons hope that Lionel Messi’s medical report won’t bring bad news for the future, as they now face a busy stretch of matches between the Leagues Cup and MLS.
Their next game will be against Mexico’s Pumas on Wednesday, August 6, to close out the Leagues Cup group stage. Four days later, on August 10, Inter Miami will play the Florida derby against Orlando City in MLS action, followed by a home match against the L.A. Galaxy at Chase Stadium on Saturday, August 16.