How did Lionel Messi suffer injury for Inter Miami against Necaxa in Leagues Cup Match?

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Lionel Messi, Inter Miami's superstar and team captain, suffered an injury that forced him off the pitch just 11 minutes into the Leagues Cup match against Necaxa on August 2, 2025.

The Argentina international has been in prolific form for Inter Miami, but the latest injury is a big blow for him and the club.

How did Lionel Messi get injured?

The incident occurred in the opening minutes at Chase Stadium, as Messi tried to dribble past several Necaxa defenders near the penalty area. While manoeuvring past Raúl Sánchez and Alexis Peña, he lost his balance, stumbled, and then quickly signalled his distress by slapping the pitch in frustration. He attempted to walk it off, but his discomfort was clear to onlookers and medical staff alike.

After briefly sitting in front of Inter Miami's bench for assessment, Messi was substituted by Federico Redondo in the 11th minute. He walked off the field unaided, but reporters and fans could see his irritation, especially as trainers worked on what appeared to be his right hamstring or groin region. Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami's head coach, commented after the match:

"Leo felt a discomfort in his hamstring. We won't know the extent of the injury until tomorrow. It might not be that serious because he wasn't in pain, but he did feel discomfort."

Messi has experienced several hamstring and adductor injuries in recent years, including missing Argentina's World Cup qualifiers earlier this March due to thigh strain.

Messi's departure cast a shadow over what was otherwise a dramatic Leagues Cup opener for Inter Miami, who went on to defeat Necaxa in a penalty shootout despite playing most of the game without their captain. The victory was clinched by new signing Luis Suárez, but Messi's absence highlighted just how much the team relies on its Argentine playmaker.

Inter Miami will face Pumas UNAM next in the tournament group stage on August 6. Messi's availability for that match, as well as upcoming MLS fixtures, remains unknown pending further medical evaluation.