Lionel Messi’s return to Leagues Cup action was cut short after he sustained an injury and exited just 11 minutes into Inter Miami’s eventual penalty shootout win against Mexico’s Necaxa.
The match, held on Saturday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, ended 5-4 in penalties after both sides battled to a 2-2 stalemate in regulation time.
The 38-year-old Argentine icon appeared to be receiving medical attention for a discomfort in his upper right leg or groin area before leaving the pitch. He walked off under his own power and headed straight to the locker room, raising concerns among fans and teammates.
Following the match, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano stated that a full assessment of the injury would be conducted the following day, cautioning against premature speculation. “Well, he felt a discomfort, and we will not be able to know until tomorrow how severe the injury is,” Mascherano said. “There’s probably something there. Maybe not as important, because he was really not in pain. But he did feel a pull.”
The injury occurred after Messi advanced into the Necaxa defense, stumbled at the edge of the penalty area, and collided with defender Alexis Peña. As he went down, he struck the ground in visible frustration while the ball was cleared away. Moments later, Messi was seen seated alone near the left wing before lying down on his back, prompting the medical team to attend to him. Federico Redondo was brought in as his replacement.
Despite Messi’s absence, Inter Miami pushed forward. After both teams ended regulation time with two goals apiece and were each reduced to 10 men, the match proceeded to penalties. Necaxa’s Tomas Badaloni missed during the third round of the shootout. Miami, however, converted all five spot kicks through Rodrigo De Paul, Ben Cremaschi, Jordi Alba, Federico Redondo, and finally Luis Suarez, who delivered the winning goal.
Earlier in the game, Telasco Segovia gave Inter Miami an early lead in the 12th minute. But defender Maximiliano Falcón received a red card five minutes later, reducing the home team to ten. Necaxa drew level in the 33rd minute through Badaloni. The visitors were also reduced to ten men when Cristian Calderón was dismissed in the 60th minute.
Ricardo Monreal, who entered for Necaxa in the 74th minute, appeared to secure the lead for the Mexican side with a goal in the 81st minute. But Jordi Alba salvaged a draw for Miami, scoring in second-half stoppage time to push the match into a dramatic shootout.
Messi’s latest injury comes months after he struggled with thigh strain issues during Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers in March. Since joining Inter Miami, he has tallied 18 goals and provided nine assists in 18 MLS games. Just days before, he had played a crucial role in Miami’s 2-1 win over Atlas, assisting both goals.
The Herons are set to conclude their group-stage campaign in the Leagues Cup with a match against Pumas on Wednesday. Messi previously guided the club to their first Leagues Cup title in 2023, shortly after his high-profile arrival to MLS.
What You Should Know
Lionel Messi’s early exit due to injury in Inter Miami’s clash with Necaxa casts uncertainty on his immediate availability for upcoming Leagues Cup fixtures.
While the severity of his condition remains unclear, Messi’s departure was not accompanied by visible pain, suggesting the possibility of a minor strain.
Nonetheless, given his age and recurring thigh concerns, the club and fans will be watching closely. Messi’s influence on Inter Miami has been monumental, both statistically and in leadership.
His performance in the tournament opener and historical impact since joining the club underline the significance of his presence as Miami chases another Leagues Cup title.
