Lionel Messi Exits with Hamstring Injury in Inter Miami's Leagues Cup Win vs. Necaxa

Lionel Messi departed Inter Miami's matchup with Necaxa in the 2025 Leagues Cup on Saturday with a hamstring injury, head coach Javier Mascherano told reporters after the team's win on penalties.

"Leo felt a discomfort in his hamstring," Mascherano said after the game. "We won't know the extent of the injury until tomorrow. He probably has something wrong. It might not be that serious because he wasn't in pain, but he did feel discomfort."

Messi suffered the injury after he was tripped while going for the ball in the eighth minute, via the Associated Press (h/t Yahoo Sports). He stayed on the ground before getting up as play continued, although he later sat on the pitch while trainers examined him.

Messi was then subbed out for Federico Redondo in the 11th minute.

His absence is a tough blow for an Inter Miami squad that heavily relied on him during the team's first Leagues Cup match, a 2-1 win over Liga MX's Atlas on Wednesday. The 38-year-old assisted on both of his club's goals during the victory.

The Herons entered Saturday's match with three points, looking to secure one of the top four spots in the MLS standings during Phase One of the Leagues Cup in order to advance to the quarterfinals.

Inter Miami and Necaxa were tied 1-1 at the half on Saturday due to a goal by Telasco Segovia.

Meanwhile, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner appeared in 30 games for Inter Miami this year heading into Saturday's action. In MLS alone, Messi has amassed 18 goals and nine assists in 18 league appearances.

Inter Miami will be hoping that his injury isn't too serious and he'll be able to return in time for the team's next Leagues Cup matchup, a clash with Pumas UNAM on Wednesday.