Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi will be out of action for an indefinite period after sustaining a minor muscle injury in his right leg, the club confirmed on Sunday.
The 38-year-old Argentine superstar was forced off just 11 minutes into Miami’s dramatic penalty shootout win over Necaxa in the Leagues Cup on Saturday. Messi walked off the pitch and headed directly to the locker room, sparking concern among fans and teammates alike.
In a statement, the MLS club said Messi “underwent medical tests to evaluate the extent of the muscle discomfort he experienced” during the match. The tests confirmed a “minor muscle injury in his right leg”, with his return dependent on “clinical progress and response to treatment.”
No timeline has been set for his recovery, raising questions over his availability in the coming weeks for both MLS and Leagues Cup fixtures.
Messi has been in sensational form this season, leading the league with 18 goals and adding nine assists in just 18 appearances. His absence will be a significant setback for Miami as they look to maintain momentum in both domestic and international competitions.
Fellow veteran Jordi Alba, who scored a stoppage-time equaliser to send the Leagues Cup match to penalties, admitted Messi’s departure had affected the squad. “It’s a huge sadness for the whole team,” he said.
Inter Miami currently sit fifth in the Eastern Conference with 42 points from 22 matches, trailing leaders Philadelphia by eight points but with three games in hand.
The team, reigning Leagues Cup champions following Messi’s arrival last year, are set to host UNAM Pumas on Wednesday. A win would see them clinch a spot in the quarter-finals.