August 3, 2025 – Chase Stadium, Florida

Lionel Messi’s night ended abruptly just 11 minutes into Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Necaxa, as the football legend exited with visible discomfort in his right leg. The 38-year-old appeared to suffer a hamstring strain after a collision near the penalty area and was replaced by Federico Redondo.

Despite the setback, Inter Miami held their ground in a tense match that saw both teams reduced to 10 men. Jordi Alba’s stoppage-time equalizer pushed the game into penalties, where Miami triumphed 5-4.

Head coach Javier Mascherano later confirmed Messi felt “discomfort” but not sharp pain, suggesting the injury may not be serious. Messi is expected to undergo further evaluation ahead of the club’s next fixture against Pumas UNAM on August 6.