Lionel Messi Suffers Muscle Injury, Out Indefinitely for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi, the iconic captain of Inter Miami, is set to miss upcoming matches after suffering a minor muscle injury in his right leg. The club confirmed the news on Sunday, revealing that the 38-year-old Argentine star picked up the injury early in Miami’s recent Leagues Cup clash against Mexican side Necaxa. The match, held on Saturday, ended in a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout win for Miami, but Messi's early exit in the 11th minute left fans and teammates concerned. Although he was able to walk off the field and head to the locker room without help, the injury has sidelined him indefinitely.

Following the incident, Messi underwent medical evaluations to determine the extent of his discomfort. The test results showed a minor muscle strain in his upper right leg. Inter Miami stated that his return to the field would depend on how he responds to treatment and recovers in the coming days. With no fixed timeline for his return, fans and team officials remain hopeful that the injury is not serious and that he can make a swift comeback.

Messi’s absence comes at a crucial time for Inter Miami. The football legend has been in exceptional form this season, sharing the top spot on the MLS goal-scoring chart with 18 goals in 18 appearances. He has also provided nine assists, playing a central role in Miami’s attacking prowess and overall success. His performances have not only boosted the club's standings but also reignited fan excitement across the league.

Jordi Alba, a close friend and teammate of Messi’s, expressed the team’s collective disappointment after the match. Alba, who scored a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer to push the game into penalties, said Messi’s early departure was a “huge sadness for the whole team.” Despite Messi’s absence, the team managed to rally and secure a hard-fought victory, but the mood remained subdued due to the uncertainty surrounding their star player’s fitness.

Inter Miami’s current league record stands at 12 wins, 4 losses, and 6 draws, putting them in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with 42 points. They trail the conference leaders, Philadelphia, by eight points, but have the advantage of three matches in hand. These remaining games could prove critical in the playoff race, especially with Messi’s status now unclear.

Messi’s injury also poses a significant threat to Miami’s campaign in the Leagues Cup. The club had won the tournament in 2023, shortly after Messi’s arrival, and had been aiming to defend their title this year. With his leadership and creativity missing from the lineup, Miami may face an uphill battle in progressing further in the competition.

Looking ahead, Inter Miami is scheduled to face UNAM Pumas on Wednesday. The club currently sits second in the MLS group stage standings for the Leagues Cup with five points. A win in this upcoming match would secure their spot in the quarter-finals. However, the absence of Messi could make the task more challenging, both in terms of on-field execution and team morale.

While the injury is being called “minor,” the situation remains tense as Messi’s condition is monitored closely. Inter Miami will be hoping for positive updates in the coming days, as their most influential player continues his recovery. Until then, both the club and its supporters must wait anxiously, hoping that their talisman will return in time to steer them through a crucial phase of the season.