Aug 2, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) is looked at by trainees after a possible injury against Necaxa during the first half of a Leagues Cup group stage match at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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Inter Miami Issue Lionel Messi Injury Update After Leagues Cup Scare

The Argentine superstar has been influential for the MLS club, contributing 24 goals and 10 assists across all competitions.

Inter Miami have confirmed that Lionel Messi suffered a minor muscle injury in his right leg during Saturday night’s Leagues Cup clash against Necaxa. The Argentine superstar was forced off in just the 11th minute after an early collision with two opposition defenders near the penalty area.

While he attempted to continue playing on, Messi ultimately signaled for a substitution and was replaced by Federico Redondo before heading directly to the locker room. In a statement released by Inter Miami, the club clarified that Messi’s return will depend on his clinical progress and how he responds to ongoing treatment.

Inter Miami Confirm Minor Injury for Messi

While the injury is not considered serious, his availability for upcoming matches remains in doubt. Miami managed to draw the game 2–2 in regulation time and then edged Necaxa in a penalty shootout to claim the two points. Despite Messi’s absence, Inter Miami secured a crucial result that keeps their Leagues Cup campaign alive.

Injury update: Leo Messi.

Here: https://t.co/3vWDpkNPgF pic.twitter.com/SyibxW0lgA
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 3, 2025

Inter Miami said in a statement,

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

Messi has shouldered a heavy workload in 2025, accumulating 85+ minutes in 27 matches. The Argentine superstar has been influential for the MLS club, contributing 24 goals and 10 assists across all competitions. He previously missed Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers in March due to thigh and adductor strains. Messi also endured extended time on the sidelines in 2024 following a torn leg muscle suffered in the Copa America final.

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2023 Leagues Cup champions Inter Miami will face Pumas UNAM in the tournament on Wednesday before resuming their MLS campaign against Orlando City SC on August 10. With Messi’s status uncertain, all eyes will be on his recovery over the next few days.

Inter Miami

Leagues Cup

Lionel Messi

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.