Lionel Messi, Inter Miami's star player, has suffered a minor muscle injury in his right leg and will be sidelined. The injury occurred during the Leagues Cup match against Necaxa on August 2, 2025, forcing him to leave the field early.

Inter Miami CF released an official injury update on August 3, 2025, confirming the injury after medical tests were conducted to evaluate the extent of the muscle discomfort Messi experienced. The club stated that his return to play will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment.

Messi sustained the injury in the 7th minute of the match against Necaxa, following contact with two defenders near the penalty area. He initially attempted to continue playing but was eventually substituted in the 11th minute, being replaced by Federico Redondo. After being subbed out, Messi was seen walking back towards the bench before sitting on the pitch, where trainers attended to his right upper thigh area.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano commented on Messi's injury, saying that the player "felt something" and wasn't necessarily in pain, but had felt a pull. Mascherano indicated that Messi would be examined to determine the severity of the injury.

The extent of the injury remains uncertain, but the club has classified it as a minor muscle injury. Grade 1 hamstring injuries can improve in less than a week, while more severe Grade 2 and 3 injuries can take months to heal. Given that Messi could walk off the field without assistance, it is speculated that the injury might not be severe.

The injury is a blow to Inter Miami, as Messi has been a key player for the team, with 24 goals and 10 assists in all competitions through 2025. He has played significant minutes, with head coach Javiver Mascherano keeping him on the pitch for over 85 minutes on 27 occasions. Messi's absence would be a major setback for the team's aspirations in the Leagues Cup and the regular season.

Inter Miami will host Pumas UNAM on August 6 for their final Leagues Cup group stage match. The team will then return to MLS action on August 10 against Florida rivals, Orlando City SC. It remains to be seen whether Messi will be available for these matches.

Throughout his time with Inter Miami, Messi has occasionally been rested to prevent overexertion. He had previously missed a match against FC Cincinnati due to a one-game suspension for missing the MLS All-Star Game. Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas had emphasized that "When Messi plays, Messi plays 90 minutes and if you see him playing less, he's injured".

This is not the first time Messi has faced injury setbacks. In March 2025, he missed Argentina's World Cup qualifiers due to adductor and thigh strain issues. In 2024, he also experienced an extended absence after a torn leg muscle from the Copa América final.

The team will need other players to step up in Messi's absence. Following Messi's substitution against Necaxa, Telasco Segovia stated that Messi told him he was fine, but they are waiting to see what the medical staff say.