Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) takes a tumble in a clash with Necaxa defenders Alexis Pena, top, and Cristian Calderon, bottom, in the course of the first half of a Leagues Cup soccer match, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida — Inter Miami star Lionel Messi is coping with a minor muscle injury in his right leg after being hurt within the opening minutes of Saturday’s Leagues Cup match against Necaxa, the club said Sunday.
Messi underwent tests on his right leg after experiencing discomfort following a play wherein he fell while being challenged by a pair of Necaxa defenders, in a game Inter Miami won on penalty kicks.
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His timeline for return isn’t yet known, though it seems unlikely that he will likely be available for Miami’s next Leagues Cup match against UNAM Pumas on Wednesday.
Inter Miami said in a release that Messi’s medical clearance will rely upon how he responds to treatment.
Messi slapped his hand against the bottom in frustration after the autumn, which happened in the primary 10 minutes of Saturday’s match.
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He walked slowly toward the Inter Miami bench before sitting down on the pitch. Trainers got here out and worked on his right upper thigh area for a few minutes before he subbed out for Federico Redondo within the eleventh. He then immediately walked to the locker room.
Miami coach Javier Mascherano said after the sport that Messi wasn’t in any pain.
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