Fort Lauderdale, USA – Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi will be sidelined indefinitely after the club confirmed on Sunday that the 38-year-old Argentine legend has sustained a “minor muscle injury in his right leg.” The news comes as a significant blow to the MLS side, impacting their campaigns in both the Leagues Cup and the domestic league, as they face an uncertain period without their talismanic captain.
The Injury and Immediate Aftermath
Messi suffered the injury early in Miami’s Leagues Cup clash against Mexico’s Necaxa on Saturday. In the 11th minute of the match, after a challenge from Necaxa defenders, Messi appeared to stumble and then fall, visibly slamming his fist on the turf in frustration before signaling for medical attention. Though he was able to walk off the field under his own power and immediately headed to the locker room, the discomfort was evident.
Inter Miami’s official statement confirmed that medical tests revealed a “minor muscle injury in his right leg.” While the club did not specify the exact muscle affected, initial reports and observations suggest it is in his upper right leg or hamstring area. Crucially, the club provided no timetable for his return, stating that his “medical clearance will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment.” This typically indicates a Grade 1 muscle strain, which can often require 1 to 3 weeks of recovery, primarily involving rest, gentle rehabilitation exercises, and physical therapy to restore flexibility and strength, slowly progressing to on-field activities. Given Messi’s age and importance, the club will likely err on the side of caution to prevent re-injury.
Immense Impact on Inter Miami’s Season
Messi’s absence is a monumental challenge for Inter Miami. The 38-year-old has been the undisputed driving force behind the team’s success since his arrival in 2023, currently sharing the MLS season lead with 18 goals and contributing nine assists in just 18 matches. His creativity, scoring prowess, and sheer presence on the field are irreplaceable.
“It’s a huge sadness for the whole team,” expressed Jordi Alba, who netted a dramatic equalizer in second-half stoppage time to force the penalty shootout that Miami eventually won 5-4 against Necaxa.
The timing of the injury could not be worse for Miami. In the Leagues Cup, a tournament they famously won in 2023 with Messi’s immediate impact, they are set to host UNAM Pumas on Wednesday. A victory in this crucial fixture would clinch a quarterfinal berth, but without their captain, their chances are significantly hampered.
In the MLS Eastern Conference, Inter Miami currently sits fifth with 42 points (12-4 with six drawn), eight points adrift of league pace-setter Philadelphia, albeit with three matches in hand. Any extended period without Messi would severely test their ability to maintain their playoff position and push higher up the table. His recent heavy workload, having played 16 consecutive full matches leading up to this injury, may also have been a contributing factor, raising questions about player management for older athletes in a demanding schedule. The club will now have to rely on their squad depth and tactical adjustments to navigate this critical phase of the season.
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