Lionel Messi Suffers Muscle Injury, Will Be Sidelined...

Last Updated:August 04, 2025, 07:23 IST

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi underwent scans after experiencing muscle discomfort.

Lionel Messi has18 goals and nine assists this MLS season so far. (AP Photo)

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi will be out of action indefinitely due to what the MLS team described as a “minor muscle injury in his right leg" in a statement on Sunday. The 38-year-old Argentine legend sustained an upper right leg injury early in Miami’s penalty-kick home win over Mexico’s Necaxa on Saturday during a Leagues Cup match.

Messi left the pitch in the 11th minute, walking off the field and into the locker room.

Inter Miami stated that Messi “underwent medical tests to evaluate the extent of the muscle discomfort he experienced," which led to his early departure from the match.

“The results confirmed a minor muscle injury in his right leg. His medical clearance will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment."

This means there is no set timeline for the return of the Miami talisman, who shares the MLS season lead with 18 goals and also has nine assists in 18 matches.

Jordi Alba, who scored an equaliser for Miami in second-half stoppage time to set up the penalty shootout the hosts won 5-4, said Messi’s early exit was “a huge sadness for the whole team."

Inter Miami is 12-4 with six draws, amassing 42 points, and is fifth in the Eastern Conference, eight points behind league leaders Philadelphia but with three matches in hand.

An extended absence would also be a significant setback for Miami in the Leagues Cup, which Inter won in 2023 shortly after Messi’s arrival in South Florida.

Miami, set to host UNAM Pumas on Wednesday, ranks second on the MLS table to qualify for the Leagues Cup knockout stage with five points and would secure a quarter-final berth with a victory.

With AFP Inputs

Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...Read More

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...

Read More

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Location :

Miami (USA)

First Published:

August 04, 2025, 07:23 IST

News sports » football Lionel Messi Suffers Muscle Injury, Will Be Sidelined...

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