Frustrated Lionel Messi forced off with injury in Inter Miami vs Necaxa
While the full diagnosis is still pending, early signs point to a possible right hamstring strain. Coach Javier Mascherano offered a calm update post-match, saying Messi felt some discomfort but wasn't in significant pain. Still, with a crucial group-stage game against Pumas UNAM coming up on August 6, the concern is real.Despite losing their captain early and playing most of the match a man down—after defender Maximiliano Falcn saw red in the 17th minute—Inter Miami managed to hold on. The match ended 2-2 in regulation, and they edged Necaxa 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout. Necaxa also finished with 10 men after Cristian Caldern was sent off in the 71st minute.Until now, Messi's 2025 season had been rolling smoothly. With 24 goals and 10 assists in 31 matches across competitions—including 18 league goals—he's been the driving force behind Miami's rise. His injury comes as a gut punch, both for the team and its fans.As Messi heads for scans and further assessment, Miami will be hoping their star doesn't stay off the pitch for long.- Ends
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