Miami Inter and Necaxa end in a 2-2 draw, followed by a 5-4 victory in penalties for Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup; Herons come back from behind after Lionel Messi sustains a hamstring injury.
Inter Miami Suffers a Setback as Lionel Messi Injured in Leagues Cup Match
In a disappointing turn of events, Inter Miami saw their star player, Lionel Messi, suffer a minor muscle injury during their Leagues Cup match against Necaxa on August 2, 2025. The injury, affecting Messi's right leg, is believed to be related to his adductor or thigh muscles, areas where he has previously experienced strains this year.
Messi was forced to leave the game around the 10-11th minute, a blow to Inter Miami who are currently leading the MLS table with five points. The exact nature and severity of the injury are yet to be confirmed, with coach Javier Mascherano indicating that Messi will undergo further examination to assess the situation.
Despite Messi's early exit, Inter Miami managed to secure a victory, defeating Necaxa in the Leagues Cup. The winning goal came via a penalty kick scored by Luis Suarez, while Jordi Alba tied the game with a header earlier in the match. Rodrigo De Paul, in his second match with Inter Miami, contributed two assists.
The Leagues Cup tournament, a competition divided between teams from MLS and Liga MX, saw Inter Miami win their first two matches. They currently top their group, but with Messi's injury, their progress in the tournament is uncertain. Only the top four teams in each league's table after three matches will qualify for the knockout round.
Inter Miami will miss Messi in their next Leagues Cup group stage match against Pumas UNAM on August 6, and possibly the subsequent knockout stages depending on his recovery. If Inter Miami advances, Messi may have two weeks to recover before the quarterfinals on August 19, but it remains uncertain if he will be fit by then.
The injury is not considered severe, but Messi is expected to be sidelined for a short period, with a potential return timeline ranging from a few days up to two weeks or more depending on any setbacks during rehabilitation.
The match against Necaxa was not without other incidents. Maxi Falcon was ejected with a red card in the opening minutes, and Cristian Calderón was sent off in the 60th with a second yellow card. Telasco Segovia also scored his second goal of the tournament in the match.
Despite the setback, Inter Miami fans remain hopeful that their team can maintain their momentum and continue their Leagues Cup journey without Messi. The team will undoubtedly need to rely on the strong performances of their other players, such as Suarez, Alba, and De Paul, to keep their winning streak alive.
[1] Inter Miami Communications Department. (2025). Press Release: Lionel Messi Suffers Minor Injury During Leagues Cup Match Against Necaxa. Retrieved from intermiamicf.com/news/lionel-messi-suffers-minor-injury-during-leagues-cup-match-against-necaxa
[2] AP News. (2025). Lionel Messi Injured in Leagues Cup Match Against Necaxa. Retrieved from apnews.com/sports/football/lionel-messi-injured-leagues-cup-match-against-necaxa
Sports analysis shows that Lionel Messi's injury could impact Inter Miami's performance in the Leagues Cup, as his absence might weaken their offensive abilities, particularly in football and American football style play. The team's health, however, remains a priority, with coaches focusing on ensuring a speedy recovery for the star player. As Inter Miami continues their journey in the Leagues Cup tournament without Messi, it is essential to maintain a focus on sports, while keeping a close eye on team members such as Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Rodrigo De Paul, who have been contributing significantly to the team's success. The communications department at Inter Miami has released a statement on Messi's injury, providing updates on his condition.
