Lionel Messi Injury Update: When will Messi Return? Will Inter Miami star play next match against Pumas UNAM in Leagues Cup?

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Lionel Messi sustained a right hamstring or groin injury just 11 minutes into Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match against Necaxa on August 2, 2025.

The incident unfolded at Chase Stadium as Messi attempted to dribble into the penalty area, maneuvering past Necaxa defenders Raúl Sánchez and Alexis Peña. He lost his balance and stumbled, then immediately slapped the pitch in frustration.

Despite briefly trying to continue, Messi's discomfort was apparent. After a short attempt to walk it off, he sat down near the Inter Miami bench for an assessment and soon signaled for a substitution. Federico Redondo replaced him in the 11th minute. Medical staff paid particular attention to Messi's right upper thigh, suggesting the injury was hamstring- or groin-related. He walked off the field unaided but looked irritated, especially as trainers worked on the affected area.

Following the match, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed Messi "felt a discomfort in his hamstring" and explained that the full extent of the injury would not be clear until further examination the following day. Mascherano remarked that while Messi wasn't in acute pain, he did feel a pull and left the game as a precaution.

Will Lionel Messi play against Pumas UNAM in the next Match?

This setback is particularly concerning given Messi's recent history with similar muscle issues-he has missed previous matches, including Argentina's World Cup qualifiers, because of hamstring and adductor strains earlier in 2025.

Lionel Messi's availability for Inter Miami's upcoming Leagues Cup match against Pumas UNAM is uncertain following the hamstring injury. There has been no official confirmation from Inter Miami or coach Javier Mascherano regarding whether Messi will be fit to play against Pumas UNAM on August 7.

Coach Mascherano expressed optimism after the Necaxa match, stating the injury did not appear immediately serious, but emphasized that Messi's status would depend on further medical evaluation. Reports agree that his participation is in question and will depend on the results of those medical checks. If the Argentine's hamstring injury is a minor one, he is likely to feature in the match against Pumas, while a higher degree of injury will further delay his return.