Lionel Messi Suffers Hamstring Injury During Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup Victory

‎Lionel Messi suffered a hamstring injury during Saturday’s Leagues Cup match against Necaxa at Fort Lauderdale’s Chase Stadium.

‎He was substituted in the 11th minute after receiving treatment on his upper right leg or groin. The 38-year-old Argentine star exited the field voluntarily and headed to the locker room.

‎It was later described as hamstring discomfort.

‎”Well, he felt discomfort, and we will not be able to know until tomorrow how severe the injury is,” coach Javier Mascherano said after the match.

‎”There’s probably something there. Maybe not as important, because he was really not in pain. But he did feel a pull.”

‎Messi dribbled into Necaxa’s back line but stumbled at the top of the box, running into defender Alexis Pena and falling to the ground in frustration as the ball was cleared.

‎Shortly afterward, the captain of Herons was alone near midfield on the left wing when he suddenly went down, sitting on the ground. He remained on his back until trainers arrived to assist him.

‎Inter Miami manager, Javier Mascherano chose to send in Federico Redondo to replace Messi.

‎During the Argentine World Cup qualifiers in March, Messi was nagged by thigh strain issues.

‎Messi has scored 18 goals and assisted on nine others in 18 MLS appearances this season.

‎Messi provided assists on both of Inter Miami’s goals in their 2-1 victory over Atlas on Wednesday, opening their Leagues Cup campaign.

‎Miami will finish the group stage on Wednesday against Pumas. Messi also helped lead Inter Miami to their first Leagues Cup title in 2023, shortly after joining the MLS club.