Inter Miami announced on Sunday that Lionel Messi’s right leg injury sustained during Saturday’s Leagues Cup match against Necaxa is minor, though his return to play remains uncertain. The injury occurred in the 11th minute of the game in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after Messi collided with two opponents and left the field early.
Medical Evaluation and Team Statement on Messi’s Condition
Following medical tests, Inter Miami released a statement confirming a minor muscle injury in Messi’s right leg. The team noted that Messi’s clearance to return will depend on his recovery progress and response to treatment.
“The results confirmed a minor muscle injury in his right leg. His medical clearance will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment.”
—Inter Miami Medical Staff
Team Performance While Messi Is Out
Without Messi, Inter Miami managed to rally from behind in the Necaxa match, leveling the score at 2-2 before winning 5-4 in a penalty shootout. Through two Leagues Cup games, Inter Miami holds second place in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/soccer/mls/”>MLS standings with one regulation-time win and one shootout victory, amassing five points. The top four MLS teams from this competition will advance to the quarterfinals alongside the top four teams from Liga MX.
Upcoming Matches and Season Outlook
Inter Miami will complete the group phase with a Wednesday home game against Pumas UNAM. The team is scheduled to return to regular MLS play on August 10 with an away match at Orlando City.
Messi’s Current Season Statistics and Background
At 38 years old, Lionel Messi has scored 18 regular-season goals this year, tying him for the MLS lead with Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge. In the Leagues Cup, Messi contributed assists for both goals in Miami’s 2-1 victory over Atlas during their opening match. Messi is an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and a 2022 World Cup champion with Argentina, currently in his third season with Inter Miami.