Why is Lionel Messi not playing Inter Miami vs Pumas UNAM match? When will Messi return to Action?

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Lionel Messi's participation in the upcoming Leagues Cup match for Inter Miami has finally got its verdict as the Argentine has been ruled out of the match on Wednesday (August 6) against Pumas UNAM due to an injury.

Lionel Messi's injury occurred during Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match against Necaxa on August 2 at Chase Stadium. Just eight minutes into the game, Messi collided with two Necaxa defenders, Raúl Sánchez and Alexis Peña, near the penalty area. The challenge left him visibly uncomfortable, clutching his right hamstring.

Despite attempting to continue, Messi signaled to the bench and was substituted in the 11th minute, heading straight to the locker room for further evaluation. Inter Miami went on to win the match 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

How serious is Lionel Messi's Injury?

Following the game, Inter Miami issued an official statement on August 3, confirming that Messi underwent medical tests to assess the extent of the discomfort in his right leg. The results revealed a "minor muscle injury" in his upper right leg, with his return to play dependent on "clinical progress and response to treatment."

Coach Mascherano described the injury as a "slight" issue, emphasizing that while it prevents Messi from featuring against Pumas UNAM, it is not considered severe.

Why is Messi not playing Pumas UNAM Match?

Mascherano confirmed Messi's absence for the Pumas UNAM clash during a press conference on August 5, stating, "He won't be available for tomorrow's match."

The decision stems from the need to prioritize Messi's recovery, especially given the short turnaround time between the Necaxa game and the Pumas UNAM fixture on August 6. The medical team's cautious approach is understandable, considering Messi's history of hamstring and adductor issues earlier in 2025, which caused him to miss Argentina's World Cup qualifiers in March.

The match against Pumas UNAM is critical for Inter Miami, who need a victory to secure a top-four spot in the MLS side of the Leagues Cup table and advance to the knockout stage. Despite Messi's absence, Mascherano remains confident in the team's ability to perform.

When will Lionel Messi Return to Action?

While Inter Miami has not provided an official timeline for Messi's return, Mascherano's comments offer hope for a swift recovery.

"We don't like to estimate a return, especially in Leo's case. He usually recovers very well from injuries and above all, normally does with speed," Mascherano said.

The minor nature of the injury, described as a Grade 1 muscle strain by some sources, typically requires 1-3 weeks of recovery for elite athletes, depending on rehabilitation progress. Hence, Messi is likely to miss a couple of games for Miami before he returns to the field.