Messi Sidelined Indefinitely with Minor Muscle Injury, Confirms Inter Miami

Inter Miami CF have confirmed that their captain Lionel Messi will be out of action indefinitely due to a minor muscle injury in his right leg, according to an official club statement issued on Sunday.

Nature of Injury

• Injury: Minor muscle injury (upper right leg)
• Incident: Sustained early in Saturday’s Leagues Cup match against Necaxa (Mexico)
• Minute of Exit: 11th minute
• Condition: Walked off the pitch unaided and into the dressing room

Following medical evaluation, the club stated:

“The results confirmed a minor muscle injury in his right leg. His medical clearance will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment.”

There is no specific timeline for Messi’s return.

Player Statistics for Current MLS Season

Messi currently co-leads the MLS goal tally and has had a transformative impact on the team’s performance.

Reaction and Implications

Teammate Jordi Alba, who scored a stoppage-time equaliser to take the match to penalties (eventually won by Inter Miami 5–4), commented:

“It’s a huge sadness for the whole team.”

Inter Miami: Season Status

| Position | 5th (Eastern Conference) |
| Points | 42 |
| Record | 12 Wins – 4 Losses – 6 Draws |
| Matches in Hand | 3 over leaders Philadelphia Union|

Leagues Cup Outlook

• Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup in 2023, shortly after Messi’s arrival.
• The club will host UNAM Pumas on Wednesday.
• Current standings place Miami second in the group with 5 points.
• A win would secure a place in the quarter-finals.

Messi’s absence, even short-term, could significantly impact Miami’s aspirations in both the Leagues Cup and the MLS title race.