Messi exits early with injury as Inter Miami survive Necaxa in penalties

MIAMI: Lionel Messi’s impressive run of fitness came to a halt on Saturday night as he exited Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup clash against Necaxa in just the 11th minute due to a right leg injury. Manager Javier Mascherano later confirmed the 38-year-old was experiencing “hamstring discomfort.”

The injury marks Messi’s first setback since joining Inter Miami in July 2023. Until his recent suspension for missing the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, Messi had featured in every minute of 16 straight matches across all competitions for the club.

Messi returned midweek to deliver two assists in a 2-1 win over Atlas, but his early exit against Necaxa raised immediate concern. Despite the setback, Miami took the lead through Telasco Segovia, only to fall behind 2-1 after Marcelo Weigandt’s red card left them with 10 men. The Herons, however, found an equalizer deep into stoppage time and eventually triumphed 5-4 on penalties.

Miami now anxiously awaits updates on their captain’s condition ahead of a busy stretch of the season.