Lionel Messi exited Saturday nights Leagues Cup match against visiting Necaxain the 11th minute due to a right leg injury. After Inter Miami completed its2-2 draw, manager Javier Mascherano declared Messi felt hamstring discomfort.
The 38-year-old Messis exit brings a halt to an exceptional run of clean health, the longest since he joined Miami in July 2023.
He had played in every minute of 16 consecutive matches for Miami between MLS regular season and FIFA Club World Cup play before his failure to appear inthe 2025 MLS All-Star Game resulted in a one-match suspension against FC Cincinnati, a week ago.
He returned Wednesday night for Miamis Leagues Cup opener against Atlas and provided two assists, one leading to the game-winner late, in a 2-1victory.
Neither team scored prior to Messis exit Saturday, though Miamis Telasco Segovia scored shortly thereafter to put Miami in front. Necaxa took a 2-1lead with the Herons reduced to 10 men when Marcelo Weigandt was sent off for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, but Inter Miami rallied for the equalizer in extra time. The Herons then won 5-4 on penalty kicks.
