FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (BN24) — Lionel Messi left Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Club Necaxa on Saturday night after sustaining what appeared to be an injury, exiting in just the 11th minute of play at Chase Stadium.
The Argentine star was seen dribbling into the penalty area when he collided with Necaxa defenders Raúl Sánchez and Alexis Peña. Moments later, Messi stumbled to the turf, pounding the ground in frustration. He attempted to remain in the game but was visibly in discomfort and walked off the field before heading straight to the locker room for evaluation.
Messi’s sudden departure left Inter Miami without their captain for the remainder of the match. Federico Redondo came on to replace him.
Messi’s early exit is a major blow for Miami, particularly as he’s been instrumental in their campaign across multiple competitions this season. Before Saturday’s fixture, Messi had featured in 30 matches for the club in 2025, including appearances in Major League Soccer, the Concacaf Champions Cup, Club World Cup, and the Leagues Cup. In MLS play alone, he has tallied 18 goals and nine assists for the Herons.
The team has not yet released an official update on the severity of the injury or whether Messi will be available for upcoming matches.
