Lionel Messi suffered a right thigh muscle injury during Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Necaxa on Saturday, August 2, at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The incident occurred in the eighth minute when the 38-year-old star attempted a dribble on the right flank, was tackled by two defenders, and fell, showing clear discomfort. After brief medical attention, Messi handed off the captain’s armband and was replaced by Federico Redondo at the 11-minute mark, heading straight to the locker room. The injury, yet to be detailed by the club, raised concerns among fans and the coaching staff, given Messi’s intense schedule. Just a minute after his exit, Inter Miami scored through Telasco Segovia, assisted by Rodrigo De Paul, but the game ended in a 1-1 draw after Necaxa capitalized on a red card to Inter Miami’s Maximiliano Falcón. The Leagues Cup, a key tournament for MLS and Liga MX teams, is critical for Inter Miami’s 2025 campaign.
The injury adds uncertainty to Messi’s availability, as he has been pivotal for Inter Miami’s success. Fans filled the stadium, hoping to see the Argentine star shine, but left worried about his condition.
- Match details:
- Event: Leagues Cup 2025, second round.
- Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- Substitution: Messi replaced by Federico Redondo at 11 minutes.
- Scoreline: Inter Miami 1, Necaxa 1.
Circumstances of Messi’s injury
The injury struck during a fast break when Messi tried to advance past Necaxa’s Alexis Peña and another defender. After the tackle, he fell, immediately clutching his right thigh and slamming the turf in frustration. Medical staff attended to him for about three minutes before he left the field, visibly upset.
Inter Miami has not yet released an official diagnosis, but early signs point to a muscle issue, possibly related to a prior left thigh injury in March 2025 that sidelined him for 10 days. The club’s medical team is expected to provide an update soon, with fans and analysts anxious about the impact on upcoming matches.
- Key moments of the incident:
- Timing: 8th minute of the first half.
- Cause: Tackle by two Necaxa defenders.
- Injury area: Right thigh, likely muscular.
- Replacement: Federico Redondo took Messi’s place.
Messi’s recent workload
Messi’s injury comes after a grueling run of games. Since Inter Miami’s exit from the Club World Cup, he played seven matches in 28 days, averaging a game every four days without being substituted. In this stretch, he scored eight goals and provided four assists, showcasing his importance to the team coached by Javier Mascherano.
In 2025, Messi has tallied 18 goals and seven assists in 18 MLS games, plus contributions in the Leagues Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup. His last match, a win against Atlas, saw him deliver two assists, including a crucial one in stoppage time. The heavy schedule, combined with a recent MLS suspension, may have contributed to the physical strain.
- Messi’s 2025 stats:
- MLS: 18 games, 18 goals, 7 assists.
- Leagues Cup: 2 games, 2 assists.
- Concacaf Champions Cup: 3 games, 2 goals, 2 assists.
- Total: 23 games, 23 goals, 13 assists.
Inter Miami’s performance
Despite losing Messi early, Inter Miami took the lead with a goal from Telasco Segovia, assisted by new signing Rodrigo De Paul. However, the first half took a turn when defender Maximiliano Falcón was sent off, leaving the team with 10 players. Necaxa equalized through Tomás Badaloni, resulting in a 1-1 draw. The outcome puts pressure on Inter Miami, as only four MLS teams advance to the Leagues Cup quarterfinals.
With stars like Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, Inter Miami relies heavily on Messi’s creativity. His absence could force tactical adjustments, especially with a critical match against Pumas looming on August 6. The team’s depth will be tested in the competitive group stage.
- Game highlights:
- Inter Miami goal: Telasco Segovia, assisted by Rodrigo De Paul.
- Red card: Maximiliano Falcón, first half.
- Necaxa goal: Tomás Badaloni.
- Final score: 1-1 draw.
Physical demands on Messi
Messi’s injury highlights concerns about his workload at 38 years old. In 2025, he has played 73% of available MLS minutes and 86% in the Concacaf Champions Cup, reflecting a heavy reliance on him in key tournaments. Coach Javier Mascherano has emphasized the need for rest, but Messi prefers to maintain his rhythm, claiming breaks disrupt his form.
A similar thigh injury in March 2025 kept him out for 10 days, and a suspension for missing the MLS All-Star Game in July added to his irregular schedule. The latest injury may prompt the club to rethink how they manage their star player’s minutes in a packed season.
- Messi’s physical management:
- MLS minutes: 73% of total available.
- Concacaf Champions Cup: 86% of minutes played.
- Previous injury: Left thigh, 10-day absence in March.
- Player preference: Continuous games to maintain form.
Significance of the Leagues Cup
The Leagues Cup, launched in 2019, pits MLS and Liga MX clubs against each other in a group stage and knockout format. Inter Miami won the 2023 edition, with Messi scoring 10 goals. The 2025 tournament is vital for securing a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup and boosting the club’s profile, especially with Messi drawing global attention.
The draw against Necaxa complicates Inter Miami’s path, as they face Pumas next. Without Messi, the team’s chances could hinge on veterans like Suárez and new additions like De Paul stepping up. The competition remains a high-stakes platform for the club.
- Leagues Cup facts:
- 2023 champion: Inter Miami, led by Messi’s 10 goals.
- Format: 47 teams, group stage, and knockout rounds.
- Next match: Inter Miami vs. Pumas, August 6.
- Goal: Qualification for 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Fan and team reactions
Messi’s early exit stunned the Chase Stadium crowd, with fans voicing concern and support online. Social media buzzed with messages hoping for a quick recovery, reflecting the star’s massive influence. Coach Mascherano is expected to address the injury in a post-match press conference, but no official statement has been released yet.
Inter Miami now faces the challenge of regrouping without their captain. The integration of players like Rodrigo De Paul, who showed promise with an assist, will be crucial. The team’s next steps depend on the severity of Messi’s injury and their ability to adapt tactically.
- Post-match reactions:
- Fans: Concern and support for Messi’s recovery.
- Substitution: Federico Redondo replaced Messi.
- Team challenge: Adjust tactics for upcoming games.
- Awaited update: Injury details from the club.