Lionel Messi Exits Leagues Cup Match Early with Hamstring Discomfort
Though Messi has yet to score in the current Leagues Cup, he remains tied for the top spot in MLS with 18 goals.
MIAMI – Lionel Messi exited Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Necaxa on Saturday night just 11 minutes into play, citing right leg discomfort. Head coach Javier Mascherano later confirmed the 38-year-old was experiencing hamstring tightness.
The injury ends Messi’s remarkable streak of 16 consecutive full-match appearances — his longest unbroken run of fitness since joining Inter Miami in July 2023. Before Saturday’s setback, Messi had featured in every minute of matches spanning the MLS regular season and FIFA Club World Cup play.
The Argentine legend missed last week’s MLS clash against FC Cincinnati due to a suspension, which stemmed from his non-participation in the 2025 MLS All-Star Game. He made his return on Wednesday against Atlas, delivering two assists — including one for the late game-winner — in Miami’s 2-1 Leagues Cup victory.
Saturday’s match was scoreless at the time of Messi’s early departure. Telasco Segovia opened the scoring for Inter Miami shortly afterward, but Necaxa responded with two goals, taking the lead after Miami’s Marcelo Weigandt was sent off. Despite being down to 10 men, Miami managed to equalize in extra time and went on to win 5-4 in a penalty shootout.
Though Messi has yet to score in the current Leagues Cup, he remains tied for the top spot in MLS with 18 goals. His durability in recent months had been a sharp contrast to his earlier seasons with the club. In 2023, minor injuries limited him to just six appearances in Miami’s final 12 regular-season matches. In 2024, he also battled multiple setbacks, including a torn leg muscle sustained during the Copa America final while playing for Argentina.
Despite playing only 19 games in the 2024 MLS season, Messi racked up 20 goals and 16 assists, earning him the league’s MVP award.
Read more: Messi Exits Early, Miami Still Triumphs in Leagues Cup Match
As fans await an update on his fitness, Miami’s playoff and Leagues Cup hopes may once again hinge on the health of their superstar.
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