Lionel Messi sustained an injury during a League Cup match between Inter Miami and Club Nekakisa, exiting the game in the 11th minute and heading straight to the locker room at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
As he maneuvered into the penalty area, Messi collided with Necakisa’s Raul Sanchez and Alexis Peña, falling to the ground and expressing his frustration by hitting the turf. The Inter Miami captain attempted to play through the discomfort for a few minutes but ultimately left the match to seek medical attention.
Federico Redondo replaced Messi in the lineup.
Prior to kickoff on Saturday night, Messi had appeared in 30 matches for Inter Miami across all competitions in 2025, including the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Club World Cup, League Cup, and the Major League Soccer regular season.
In MLS, he has scored 18 goals and provided nine assists.
This injury news is crucial for soccer fans, as Messi’s presence amplifies the excitement and visibility of Major League Soccer. His status impacts not only Inter Miami but also the overall appeal of soccer in the U.S., making it vital to keep an eye on his recovery.
