Inter Miami's Lionel Messi Suffers Injury in Leagues Cup Match: Team Emerges Victorious in Penalty Shootout
Lionel Messi sustained an injury during Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match against Necaxa, forcing him to exit the game in the 11th minute. The Argentine forward appeared to be receiving treatment on his upper right leg or groin before leaving the field. Miami coach Javier Mascherano mentioned that the severity of the injury would be assessed on Sunday. Despite Messi's early departure, Inter Miami emerged victorious in a penalty shootout, winning 5-4 after a 2-2 draw in regular time.
During the game, Messi attempted a dribble into the Necaxa defense but stumbled and collided with a defender, leading to his injury. He was eventually replaced by Federico Redondo. The match saw both teams reduced to 10 men, with Inter Miami's Maximiliano Falcon and Necaxa's Cristian Calderon receiving red cards. The game ended in a draw, and Inter Miami secured the win through penalty kicks, with Luis Suarez scoring the decisive goal.
Inter Miami's Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia opened the scoring in the 12th minute, but Necaxa's Tomas Badaloni equalized in the 33rd minute. Ricardo Monreal put Necaxa ahead in the 81st minute, only for Jordi Alba to level the score for Miami in stoppage time. Messi's injury comes after a history of thigh strain issues during the Argentine World Cup qualifiers in March. Despite his injury, Messi has been a key player for Inter Miami this season, contributing 18 goals and nine assists in 18 MLS appearances.
Inter Miami will continue their Leagues Cup campaign against Pumas after concluding the group stage. Messi, who led Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup title in 2023, has been instrumental in the team's success since joining the MLS club. His presence on the field has been crucial for Inter Miami, and his injury will be closely monitored to determine the extent of the setback.