Lionel Messi’s participation in Inter Miami’s upcoming Leagues Cup group stage fixture against Pumas UNAM remains uncertain after he picked up a hamstring injury during their dramatic encounter with Club Necaxa. The Argentine legend went down in the eighth minute following a challenge near the penalty area involving two defenders.
Despite attempting to walk off the knock, Messi later sat on the pitch, prompting immediate attention from the medical team. Trainers were seen attending to his upper right thigh before the forward was substituted in the 11th minute. Fortunately, he was able to leave the field unassisted, which has raised hopes that the injury may not be severe.
Inter Miami eventually triumphed in the match via penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation time. The contest was marked by drama, with both teams finishing with ten men. Inter Miami’s Maxi Falcón received a red card early in the match, while Necaxa’s Cristian Calderón was sent off in the second half.
Head coach Javier Mascherano provided an update post-match, stating that while Messi wasn’t experiencing acute pain, he had “felt a pull” in his leg. “There’s probably something there,” Mascherano said, adding that the team would assess the extent of the injury by Sunday.
Inter Miami are scheduled to face Pumas UNAM on August 7, leaving just a few days for recovery. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Grade 1 hamstring injuries can sometimes heal within a week, especially with high-end medical treatment like Messi typically receives. His ability to walk without help and absence of a stretcher suggest the injury may be minor. However, if it turns out to be a Grade 2 or 3 strain, he could be sidelined for weeks or even months.
All eyes now turn to Messi’s medical evaluation as fans hope to see him back on the field for the crucial Leagues Cup clash.