"Lionel Messi endures disappointment due to being sidelined by injury during the Inter Miami Leagues Cup game"
Inter Miami's Lionel Messi Sustains Minor Muscle Injury, Expected to Miss Leagues Cup Match Against Pumas UNAM
In a disappointing turn of events, Inter Miami's star player, Lionel Messi, was forced to leave the Leagues Cup match against Necaxa just 11 minutes into the game due to a minor muscle injury in his upper right leg. The injury, described as a mild strain, is suspected to be in the adductor or thigh area.
The incident occurred when Messi required treatment after going down under a challenge on the edge of the opposition penalty box. Despite feeling a pull during the match, Messi was not in severe pain.
As a result of the injury, Messi is expected to be sidelined for at least 15 days and has already been ruled out of Inter Miami's next Leagues Cup group stage match against Pumas UNAM on August 6, 2025. His coach, Javier Mascherano, remains optimistic about a speedy recovery, noting Messi's typical quick healing from injuries.
The severity of Messi's injury is yet to be determined, with more information expected to be available the next day. In the meantime, Miami are set to advance to the Leagues Cup knockout stages, provided they secure a win in their remaining group stage matches.
Miami and Messi (if fit) will play Pumas on Wednesday in the Leagues Cup group stage. The top four clubs from each of the USA and Mexico will progress to the Leagues Cup quarter-finals. Miami's current position in the MLS team standings is behind Portland Timbers, but they are in a strong position to qualify for the Leagues Cup quarter-finals.
Miami's Leagues Cup group stage campaign will conclude with the match against Pumas. It is currently uncertain whether Messi will return in time for the Leagues Cup quarterfinals, which are scheduled to take place later this month.
Messi has had a stellar season so far, scoring 24 goals and providing 10 assists in 31 appearances across all competitions. His contract with Inter Miami expires at the end of this year.
Telasco Segovia, Messi's team-mate, revealed that Messi told him he's fine, but no tests have been conducted on him yet. Miami's next MLS match will be away to Orlando City four days after the Leagues Cup match.
Inter Miami fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery for their star player and a strong performance from the team in his absence.
- The manager, Javier Mascherano, remains optimistic about a speedy recovery for Lionel Messi, noting his typical quick healing from injuries.
- Miami and Messi (if fit) will play Pumas on Wednesday in the Leagues Cup group stage.
- Miami's Leagues Cup group stage campaign will conclude with the match against Pumas, and it is currently uncertain whether Messi will return in time for the Leagues Cup quarterfinals.
