Injured Lionel Messi subbed off in Inter Miami-Necaxa
Lionel Messi suffered a muscle injury in the opening minutes of the Leagues Cup game, sparking concern about his fitness.
Lionel Messi has sparked concern at Inter Miami after picking up an injury during Saturday’s Leagues Cup match against Necaxa.
Just days after returning from an MLS suspension, the Argentine superstar was forced to leave the game early in the first half. Miami went on to win the game on penalties, giving them another two points in their Leagues Cup group, but Messi’s fitness will be a worry for the team going forward.
Messi, wearing his iconic No. 10 jersey, went down clutching his right leg after trying to dribble past four Necaxa defenders. Although play continued briefly as Necaxa cleared the ball, Messi made his way toward the sideline before dropping to the turf, signaling he could no longer continue.
Inter Miami’s medical team rushed onto the field to assess the injury, which appeared to be muscular. After a few minutes of treatment, the decision was made to substitute him. Federico Redondo came off the bench to replace the captain.
Messi then walked slowly off the pitch and was seen heading down the tunnel toward the home locker room at Chase Stadium, followed closely by television cameras capturing every step.
“Leo felt a discomfort in his hamstring,” Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano told reporters. “We won’t know the extent of the injury until tomorrow. He probably has something wrong. It might not be that serious because he wasn’t in pain, but he did feel discomfort.”
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