Inter Miami CF’s captain, Lionel Messi, incurred a “minor” muscle injury to his right leg during a League Cup match against Necakisa at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Saturday night.
The club has stated that a timeline for his return remains uncertain and will depend on how he responds to treatment.
“Messi underwent medical assessments to evaluate the extent of his muscle discomfort after the incident with Necakisa during the League Cup match, which necessitated his exit from the game,” the club indicated in a news release.
“The tests confirmed that he has mild muscle damage in his right leg. His return to play will depend on his clinical progress and treatment response.”
Early in the match, Messi appeared to experience discomfort after clashing with Necakisa’s Raul Sanchez and Alexis Peña while dribbling into the penalty area. Following a tumble on the ground, he expressed frustration by slapping the turf before seeking medical attention.
He officially departed the field at the 11-minute mark and went straight to the locker room.
After the match, head coach Javier Mascherano commented that the injury might not be very serious, as Messi reported feeling uncomfortable rather than in pain.
Inter Miami finished the match tied at 2-2 against Necakisa, ultimately winning 5-4 in a penalty shootout, securing an extra point.
This news is significant for soccer fans, as Messi’s presence elevates the profile of the league and draws international attention. His potential absence could affect Inter Miami’s performance and the broader appeal of the sport in the U.S., highlighting the ongoing challenges of player injuries in professional soccer.
