Messi’s Setback During Leagues Cup Action
The buzz around Lionel Messi and Inter Miami came to a halt on August 2, 2025, when the legendary forward hobbled off the field just 11 minutes into the Leagues Cup showdown with Necaxa. After tangling with Raul Sanchez and Alexis Peña, Lionel Messi stumbled and signaled straight away that something wasn’t right. Fans watched anxiously as he was taken off, and medical staff soon confirmed a minor muscle injury in his right leg. Those words—'minor muscle injury'—might sound reassuring at first. But when it’s Messi, even the smallest knock gets everyone worried.
The team isn’t throwing out any specific return dates. Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, said the club is leaning on Messi’s history of bouncing back quickly. Still, Mascherano insists they won’t rush the superstar back onto the pitch, especially considering Messi’s recent soft-tissue problems over the last two seasons. The club’s medical staff plan to monitor him day-by-day and only give the green light once he’s truly ready.
How Messi’s Absence Ripples Through Inter Miami’s Schedule
Without Messi, Miami had to face Pumas UNAM in their final Phase One game of the Leagues Cup on August 6. His name was missing from the lineup, and the big question now is which other games he’ll miss if recovery takes longer than expected. Messi’s contributions aren’t just stats—though, to be clear, those are serious numbers: 24 goals and 33 goal involvements in only 31 matches this season. But it’s the way he connects play, decides matches, and carries the team during tight moments that is hardest to replace.
The team is evaluating whether Messi will be back in time for the next stage of the Leagues Cup or if he’ll have to sit out a few MLS matches as well. Club doctors are especially careful because pushing too soon risks aggravating the injury. Messi’s recent injury history has everyone walking on eggshells. Given how much his presence lifts both morale and attack, losing him even for a few games could easily flip Miami’s fortunes in both cup and league play.
But even without their captain, Miami is hanging tough. Against Necaxa, they clawed out a dramatic 2-2 draw before surviving the penalty shootout 5-4, thanks mostly to a late strike from Jordi Alba and some cool nerves during spot kicks. The squad knows Messi isn’t someone you can replace like-for-like, but the last couple of matches have shown the depth and grit they’ve built up since he arrived.
Fans are holding their breath for news on Messi’s scan results and hoping to catch him back on the field soon. For now, though, Inter Miami faces every game with a little more uncertainty and a lot more attention—because when the world’s best is on the injury list, nothing else matters quite as much in Miami’s football universe.
Arlen Fitzpatrick
My name is Arlen Fitzpatrick, and I am a sports enthusiast with a passion for soccer. I have spent years studying the intricacies of the game, both as a player and a coach. My expertise in sports has allowed me to analyze matches and predict outcomes with great accuracy. As a writer, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and love for soccer with others, providing insights and engaging stories about the beautiful game. My ultimate goal is to inspire and educate soccer fans, helping them to deepen their understanding and appreciation for the sport.
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