Associated Press and Telemundo report that Lionel Messi left Saturday night’s Leagues Cup match between Inter Miami and Necaxa after appearing to suffer a right hamstring injury just minutes into the game.
Messi went down in the 8th minute while charging into the penalty area between two defenders. As he struggled to win the ball, he appeared to lose balance and immediately hit the ground, pounding the turf in frustration. He then walked slowly to the center circle as play continued, before eventually sitting near the Inter Miami bench to receive treatment on his right thigh.
According to Telemundo Deportes, after a few minutes of evaluation by the medical staff, Messi was subbed off in the 11th minute and replaced by fellow Argentine Federico Redondo. The 38-year-old walked directly to the locker room.
Mascherano: “We’ll know more on Sunday”
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed post-match that Messi felt discomfort in his hamstring—one of the muscles located in the upper thigh.
“Leo felt something in his hamstring,” Mascherano said, as cited by AP. “We won’t know the extent of the injury until tomorrow. He wasn’t in pain, which is a good sign, but he did feel something. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious.”
History of Hamstring Issues and Heavy Workload
Throughout his career, Messi has dealt with multiple hamstring injuries and other leg-related issues. Earlier this year, he missed World Cup qualifying matches with Argentina due to a left adductor problem. His busy schedule has been a concern all season, especially with Inter Miami pushing through domestic and international fixtures.
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Messi was suspended by MLS last month for skipping the All-Star Game due to fatigue. He also sat out Inter Miami’s July 26 match against FC Cincinnati to rest.
Mascherano acknowledged the challenge of managing Messi’s workload, stating just a day before the match: “He’s the kind of player who would rather play than rest. But he’ll let us know when he’s feeling tired.”
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Mascherano shares optimistic injury update on Lionel Messi following Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup win
Doubt for upcoming match against Pumas UNAM
The injury raises serious doubts about Messi’s availability for Inter Miami’s next Leagues Cup fixture, set for Wednesday against Pumas UNAM. The club is awaiting the results of Sunday’s medical exams to determine the severity of the issue and whether the Argentine icon will need time off the field.
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