Inter Miami has confirmed that club captain Lionel Messi is facing an indefinite spell on the sidelines after suffering a minor muscle injury in his right leg.
The 38-year-old Argentine superstar limped off just 11 minutes into Saturday’s Leagues Cup match against Mexico’s Necaxa, which Miami won via penalties (5-4) after a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer from Jordi Alba.
Injury Details
In a statement released on Sunday, the club said:
“Messi underwent medical tests to evaluate the extent of the muscle discomfort he experienced… The results confirmed a minor muscle injury in his right leg. His medical clearance will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment.”
Although the injury is considered minor, no official timetable has been given for his return.
Messi’s Current Form
Before the injury, Messi was enjoying another standout season in Major League Soccer:
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18 goals (tied for MLS season lead)
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9 assists
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Played 18 matches so far
His absence is a major blow for Inter Miami, both in MLS title contention and the ongoing Leagues Cup tournament, where they are hoping to defend their 2023 crown.
Team Reaction
Speaking after the match, teammate Jordi Alba described Messi’s early exit as:
“A huge sadness for the whole team.”
Miami’s Standings and Next Fixtures
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Current MLS record: 12 wins, 4 losses, 6 draws (42 points)
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5th in Eastern Conference
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3 matches in hand over league leaders Philadelphia
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Upcoming match: vs UNAM Pumas on Wednesday, with a quarter-final spot in the Leagues Cup at stake
What’s at Stake
A prolonged absence for Messi could threaten Miami’s momentum in both:
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The MLS regular season
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Their Leagues Cup title defense
