Lionel Messi Sidelined Indefinitely with Minor Muscle Injury
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has been ruled out indefinitely due to what the club has described as a “minor muscle injury in his right leg,” according to an official statement released by the MLS side.
The 38-year-old Argentine star sustained the injury early in Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup penalty shootout victory over Mexico’s Necaxa on Saturday. Messi exited the match in the 11th minute and was seen walking off the pitch unaided before heading directly to the locker room.
“Medical results confirmed a minor muscle injury in his right leg,” the club said. “His return to play will be determined based on clinical progress and response to treatment.”
As a result, no specific timeline has been provided for Messi’s return. The veteran forward currently shares the lead in the MLS Golden Boot race, with 18 goals and nine assists in 18 appearances this season.
Teammate Jordi Alba, who scored a dramatic equalizer in second-half stoppage time to force the penalty shootout—eventually won by Miami 5-4—called Messi’s early substitution “a huge sadness for the whole team.”
Inter Miami, currently second in their Leagues Cup group with five points, will face UNAM Pumas on Wednesday. A win would secure their place in the tournament’s quarterfinals.
