Inter Miami says Messi suffered 'minor muscle injury' in right leg

Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald on Aug 3, 2025

Published in Soccer

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Lionel Messi sustained “a minor muscle injury in his right leg” during Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup penalty shootout win over Necaxa on Saturday, according to a club statement on Sunday night.

He underwent medical exams to determine the extent of the injury and the timetable for his return is undetermined. “His medical clearance will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment,” said the press release.

Messi fell to the ground and clutched his leg after being challenged by defenders Raul Sanchez and Alexi Pena at the 11-minute mark of the game. He stumbled, got up, tried to walk it off, but then sat down and sought medical attention. Messi was clearly dejected as he removed his captain’s armband and headed to the tunnel.

The 38-year-old Argentine star had been on a hot streak of late with a brace in six of seven matches. He scored 18 goals and had nine assists in 18 MLS games and played 90-plus minutes in 20 matches in a row, including four in the Club World Cup.

He had two assists in Miami’s 2-1 Leagues Cup-opening win against Atlas last week and was named MLS Player of the Month.

“Obviously, we feel it when he is not on the field, he’s the best player in the world,” said goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo, who made a big save in the penalty shootout. “We want to have him playing. But these are things that can happen to anyone. We have to carry on without him. No excuses.”

Midfielder Fede Redondo added: “He’s our captain, our leader, and we hope he recovers as soon as possible.”

Miami will face Mexican club Pumas on Wednesday at Chase Stadium in the third and final group stage match. The top four MLS teams and top four Liga MX teams advance to the quarterfinals.

As of Sunday night, with 15 of 18 MLS teams having played two games, Miami sat in second place in the MLS side of the bracket with five points (one regulation win for three points, one penalty shootout win for two points). The Portland Timbers, led by former Inter Miami coach Phil Neville, were in first place with six points.

Minnesota and Columbus were third and fourth with four points each.