Lionel Messi made headlines during Inter Miami’s recent Leagues Cup match against Necaxa after being forced to exit early due to injury. Nearly 24 hours after the incident, the club has released its first official update on the Argentine star’s condition.
Messi started the game actively but appeared to tweak his right hamstring following contact with Raul Sanchez in the 7th minute. After briefly continuing, he went to the ground for medical evaluation and was substituted in the 11th minute by Federico Redondo.
The club addressed the situation on Sunday with an official statement. “Inter Miami CF today has provided an injury update presented by Baptist Health for Inter Miami CF captain Leo Messi,” the statement started.
“Messi underwent medical tests to evaluate the extent of the muscle discomfort he experienced during last night’s Leagues Cup match against Necaxa, which forced him to leave the field. The results confirmed a minor muscle injury in his right leg. His medical clearance will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment,” the statement concluded.
Inter Miami are set to return to the pitch on Wednesday as they look to secure a spot in the next phase of the Leagues Cup against Pumas UNAM. In the meantime, they will be without superstar Lionel Messi, who has begun treatment in hopes of making a swift recovery and returning to action as soon as possible.
see also
Inter Miami’s Javier Mascherano blasts Leagues Cup after referee controversy vs. Necaxa
Which games will Lionel Messi miss?
Inter Miami’s statement confirmed what many had speculated: Messi is dealing with a right leg injury, though the news was tempered by the club describing it as “minor.” However, the club did not provide a specific timeline for his return to the pitch, though early indications are optimistic.
A “minor” hamstring injury typically refers to a Grade 1 strain, which, with proper rehabilitation and no setbacks, generally results in a recovery period of around two weeks. If that timeline holds, Messi is expected to miss the upcoming Leagues Cup match against Pumas UNAM, the MLS fixture against Orlando City on August 10, and most likely the clash with LA Galaxy on August 16. A potential return could come on August 23 against D.C. United.
Messi’s most recent injury came in March against Atlanta United, when an adductor strain sidelined him for nine days, forcing him to miss international duty with Argentina. Given that he was able to walk off the pitch and to the locker room under his own power on Saturday, the initial signs suggest the Inter Miami captain is unlikely to face an extended absence.
