Inter Miami captain, Lionel Messi, will be out of action for an unspecified period after sustaining a minor muscle injury in his right leg, the club confirmed in an official statement on Monday.

 

The 38-year-old Argentine icon picked up the injury early in Inter Miami’s penalty shootout victory over Mexico’s Necaxa on Saturday during a Leagues Cup match. Messi was substituted in the 11th minute after showing signs of discomfort but was able to walk off the pitch unaided and headed straight to the locker room.

 

“The results confirmed a minor muscle injury in his right leg. His medical clearance will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment,” the club’s statement read.

 

 

 

The setback leaves no clear timetable for Messi’s return, raising uncertainty over his availability in upcoming matches. The Argentine star is currently tied for the MLS scoring lead with 18 goals and nine assists in 18 matches this season, underlining his massive impact since joining the club.

 

Teammate Jordi Alba, who scored a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer to force penalties in Saturday’s game, described Messi’s early exit as a major blow.

 

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

 

 

 

Inter Miami is scheduled to host UNAM Pumas on Wednesday in their final group match of the Leagues Cup. With five points, the team currently sits second in the MLS table and would secure a quarterfinal spot with a win.

 

As fans await further updates on Messi’s recovery, the focus will be on how Miami copes without its star player during a critical stage of the tournament.