A nervous hush fell over Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday night as Lionel Messi, Inter Miami’s global icon, limped off the pitch just minutes into their Leagues Cup group stage clash against Mexico’s Necaxa. The 38-year-old Argentine, who has been the heartbeat of Miami’s campaign this season, suffered an apparent hamstring injury after a challenge from two Necaxa defenders in the 8th minute, visibly frustrated as he slammed the turf before signaling to the bench.
Messi attempted to continue but was clearly in discomfort, eventually sitting down for treatment on his right upper thigh. He was substituted in the 11th minute, with young midfielder Federico Redondo entering in his place. The superstar walked straight down the tunnel for further evaluation, leaving fans and teammates anxious about the severity of the injury.
Match Flow: Miami Responds Without Messi
Remarkably, within two minutes of Messi’s exit, Inter Miami broke the deadlock. Telasco Segovia, a rising talent in the Herons’ squad, found the back of the net, assisted by Rodrigo De Paul. However, Miami’s momentum was checked when center-back Maxi Falcón was shown a straight red card in the first half, reducing the hosts to 10 men. Necaxa capitalized, equalizing in the 33rd minute. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving Miami’s hopes of advancing to the Leagues Cup knockout stage uncertain.
The Bigger Picture: Messi’s Fitness and Miami’s Season
This injury scare is the latest in a series of fitness concerns for Messi, who missed Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers earlier this year with adductor and thigh issues. Despite his age, Messi has been remarkably durable for Inter Miami in 2025, featuring in 30 matches across all competitions and tallying 18 goals and nine assists in MLS play alone. His influence was evident in Miami’s previous Leagues Cup match, a last-gasp 2-1 win over Atlas, where he provided both assists.
Coach Javier Mascherano has relied heavily on Messi, starting him for over 80 minutes in 24 matches this season. The club’s aggressive fixture schedule—coupled with Messi’s advancing years—has raised questions about workload management, especially after he controversially skipped the MLS All-Star Game, earning a one-match suspension.
What’s Next for Inter Miami and Messi?
Inter Miami concludes its Leagues Cup group stage on Wednesday against Pumas UNAM. Progression to the quarterfinals, which begin August 19, depends on goal differential and other results. Messi’s status for that match—and beyond—remains uncertain pending further medical evaluation.
For now, Miami fans are left hoping their talisman’s absence is brief. The club’s ambitions, both in the Leagues Cup and MLS, hinge on Messi’s availability. In the meantime, the spotlight turns to emerging talents like Segovia and the squad’s depth as they navigate a critical stretch of the season.
FAQs
Is Messi playing against Necaxa?
No, Lionel Messi started the match but was forced off with an apparent hamstring injury in the 11th minute and did not return.
Does David Beckham still own Inter Miami?
Yes, David Beckham remains one of the principal owners of Inter Miami, alongside Jorge Mas and Jose Mas. The trio became sole owners in 2021.
How much did David Beckham buy Inter Miami for?
Beckham exercised an option in his 2007 MLS contract to acquire an expansion team for $25 million, which became Inter Miami.
Who is Inter Miami’s top scorer?
Lionel Messi is Inter Miami’s all-time top scorer, with 18 MLS goals in the 2025 season and a club-record 20 goals in a single MLS season (tied with Luis Suárez). As of the latest available stats, Messi leads the team’s 2025 scoring charts.
