Lionel Messi was forced to leave Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Mexican side Necaxa on Saturday night after just 11 minutes due to a right leg injury. Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano later confirmed that the 38-year-old football icon was experiencing “hamstring discomfort,” raising concerns over his fitness as the club continues its campaign in the regional tournament.
Messi’s early exit marked an abrupt end to an impressive streak of health and consistency since joining Inter Miami in July 2023. Prior to Saturday’s injury, Messi had played every minute of 16 consecutive matches for Miami, spanning the MLS regular season and FIFA Club World Cup fixtures. This consistent run was particularly notable considering the injury interruptions he faced during his earlier seasons in Major League Soccer.
The Argentine forward had missed the 2025 MLS All-Star Game recently, which led to a mandatory one-match suspension under league rules. That absence ended his streak of appearances. However, Messi returned earlier this week for Miami’s Leagues Cup opener against Atlas, delivering two assists—including one for the decisive goal—in a 2-1 victory.
Saturday’s match against Necaxa saw both teams scoreless at the time of Messi’s substitution. Shortly afterward, Miami’s Telasco Segovia opened the scoring. The match took a dramatic turn when Inter Miami was reduced to 10 men after Marcelo Weigandt received a red card for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Necaxa capitalized on the advantage to take a 2-1 lead. Nevertheless, Miami fought back to equalize in stoppage time, eventually securing a 5-4 victory in the penalty shootout.
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, has yet to find the net in the ongoing Leagues Cup. However, he remains one of the top scorers in MLS this season, tied for the league lead with 18 goals. This current spell of sustained fitness stood in stark contrast to his earlier MLS seasons. In 2023, after playing in all seven matches of Miami’s successful Leagues Cup run, Messi was limited by minor injuries to just six appearances in the final 12 league games.
His second MLS season in 2024 was also disrupted, most significantly by a torn leg muscle he suffered during the Copa America final while representing Argentina. That injury led to a prolonged recovery period, restricting his club appearances.
Despite those setbacks, Messi still managed to play 19 matches that year, recording 20 goals and 16 assists—a performance that earned him the league’s MVP honors for 2024.
Messi’s current injury will be closely monitored, especially given its timing amid an intense fixture schedule. While the severity of the hamstring issue has yet to be officially determined, fans and the club will be hoping for a quick recovery to keep their star player available for the remainder of the Leagues Cup and beyond.
