Messi Sidelined Indefinitely Following Muscle Injury

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi will be out of action indefinitely due to what the club has described as a “minor muscle injury in his right leg,” according to an official statement released Sunday.

The 38-year-old Argentine star picked up the injury early in Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Mexico’s Necaxa on Saturday. Messi was substituted in the 11th minute but was able to walk off the pitch and into the locker room without assistance.

Following the match, Inter Miami confirmed Messi underwent medical tests to assess the extent of the issue. “The results confirmed a minor muscle injury in his right leg,” the club stated. “His medical clearance will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment.”

No specific timeline has been provided for Messi’s return, leaving his availability uncertain for both domestic and international competitions. Messi is currently tied for the league lead with 18 goals and has also contributed nine assists in 18 appearances this season.

Jordi Alba, who scored a dramatic equalizer in second-half stoppage time to force a penalty shootout that Miami won 5-4, expressed the team’s disappointment over Messi’s injury. “It’s a huge sadness for the whole team,” Alba said.

Inter Miami currently sits fifth in the MLS Eastern Conference standings with a record of 12 wins, 4 losses, and 6 draws (42 points). They trail conference leaders Philadelphia by eight points but hold three games in hand.

Messi’s absence could also impact Miami’s Leagues Cup campaign. The club, which won the tournament in 2023 shortly after Messi’s arrival, is scheduled to host UNAM Pumas on Wednesday. A win would secure Miami a quarterfinal spot, as they currently rank second in the group stage with five points.