Inter Miami have confirmed that team captain Lionel Messi will be out of action indefinitely after sustaining a minor muscle injury in his right leg during their Leagues Cup match against Mexico’s Necaxa.
The 38-year-old forward picked up the injury just 11 minutes into Saturday’s fixture at Chase Stadium and was immediately substituted. While he was able to walk off the pitch unaided, subsequent medical tests confirmed muscle damage that requires further monitoring.
“The results confirmed a minor muscle injury in his right leg. His medical clearance will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment,” the club said in a statement issued Sunday.
The setback comes at a critical time for Inter Miami, who are defending champions of the Leagues Cup — a title they won in 2023 shortly after Messi’s arrival. Any prolonged absence could jeopardise their campaign, particularly as they prepare to face UNAM Pumas on Wednesday in a match that could secure them a quarter-final spot.
Messi currently shares the lead in the MLS scoring chart with 18 goals and has also provided nine assists in 18 matches this season. His influence on and off the pitch remains pivotal for Miami, who are sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference with 42 points, eight behind leaders Philadelphia but with three games in hand.
Reacting to Messi’s early exit, teammate Jordi Alba, who scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser in the match, described the development as “a huge sadness for the whole team.”
Inter Miami won the match 5-4 on penalties after a 2–2 draw in regulation time. The club has not provided a specific timeline for Messi’s return.
