Messi Exits Leagues Cup Match with Hamstring Discomfort
- Publish date: Sunday، 03 August 2025 Reading time: two min read
Inter Miami’s star exits early against Necaxa, ending his streak of appearances across competitions.
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Inter Miami fans held their breath Saturday night as Lionel Messi left the pitch just 11 minutes into the club’s Leagues Cup clash with Necaxa. Coach Javier Mascherano later confirmed the legend felt “hamstring discomfort” in his right leg, cutting short what had been his longest uninterrupted run of fitness since landing in Miami.
At 38, Messi has been nothing short of electric for the Herons. He played every minute of 16 straight games across the MLS season and Club World Cup campaigns. Just days before, he returned in style during Miami’s Leagues Cup opener, dishing out two assists—one for a dramatic late winner against Atlas.
But the fairytale streak came to a pause Saturday. No goals had been scored when Messi left, but Inter Miami quickly bounced ahead with a strike from Telasco Segovia. Necaxa responded with two goals and a red card blow to Marcelo Weigandt, but the Herons battled back for a 2-2 finish and clinched a 5-4 win in penalties.
Though he hasn’t yet found the net in this year’s Leagues Cup, Messi is tied for the MLS golden boot race with 18 goals. His durability in 2025 had been a pleasant surprise after his first two seasons were plagued with injuries and missed matches.
Last year, despite helping Miami win the 2023 Leagues Cup, recurring issues—including a torn muscle during the 2024 Copa América final—limited his appearances down the stretch. Still, Messi managed 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 games, earning him the MLS 2024 MVP title.
Now, fans are crossing fingers and toes that this latest setback is just a minor bump—not a derailment of Messi’s red-hot season. Stay tuned for updates as the Herons continue their Leagues Cup journey.
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