In a heart-stopping moment during Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup clash against Necaxa on Saturday evening, soccer icon Lionel Messi was forced off the pitch just 10 minutes into the match. The Argentine superstar, who has reaffirmed his commitment to the MLS club amid rumors of a potential move to Saudi Arabia, collided with multiple opponents just outside Necaxa’s box. Visibly in discomfort, Messi received immediate medical attention but was unable to continue, retreating to the locker room as fans held their breath.
Despite the early setback and a red card to Maximiliano Falcón in the 17th minute, leaving Inter Miami with 10 men for most of the match, Javier Mascherano’s squad showed incredible resilience. The game ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, with Jordi Alba’s dramatic 92nd-minute equalizer forcing a penalty shootout, which Inter Miami won in style.
The soccer world is anxiously awaiting news on Messi’s injury, with Inter Miami yet to release an official statement pending further tests. According to ESPN Argentina contributor Claudio Futbol, via AthlonSports, the 38-year-old legend is dealing with hamstring tenderness and bruising. While the injury doesn’t appear severe, the uncertainty has left fans and teammates on edge.
Messi, however, remains optimistic. His teammate Telasco Segovia shared a candid moment with the star, revealing, “I asked him how he’s doing to check on him, and he told me he’s fine. But I think they haven’t done any tests on him yet.” The calm demeanor of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner offers a glimmer of hope to supporters.
Jordi Alba, who played a pivotal role in the match with his late goal and a successful penalty, struck a more somber tone. “It’s very sad for the whole team that the best player in the world, of the history, is injured,” Alba said post-match. “He’s an important player. It’s a shame. Hopefully, it’s not serious because we need him.”
Head coach Javier Mascherano also weighed in, shedding light on Messi’s condition. “He felt a discomfort, and we will not be able to know until tomorrow how severe the injury is,” Mascherano told MLS.com. “There’s probably something there. Maybe not as important, because he was really not in pain. But he did feel a pull.”
Reflecting on the match, Mascherano didn’t hold back his frustration, per Goal: “The feeling after the game is totally bitter. It was a match we had under control. We were playing the first 15 minutes just as we had planned, we took the lead despite Leo’s injury, and then from a foul that wasn’t a foul, they end up screwing you in a game that could also screw your qualification – and you’re left looking like an idiot. That’s the reality.”
With Inter Miami’s final Leagues Cup group stage match against Pumas UNAM looming on Wednesday evening, Messi’s participation hangs in the balance. His potential absence could be a significant blow to the team’s ambitions in the tournament. As tests are conducted and the soccer world awaits updates, one thing is clear: Messi’s resolve and the team’s grit remain unshaken, even in the face of adversity.