What Happened
In a recent Leagues Cup match on August 2, 2025, Inter Miami faced Club Necaxa in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The match was notable not only for its competitive nature but also for the early exit of Lionel Messi, who suffered a hamstring injury in the 11th minute. Messi’s departure occurred shortly after he collided with Necaxa players Raúl Sánchez and Alexis Peña while attempting to maneuver into the penalty area. Following the incident, Messi attempted to continue but ultimately left the field for medical evaluation.
Despite Messi’s injury, Inter Miami managed to secure a 2-2 draw against Necaxa, winning 5-4 in a penalty shootout. The team demonstrated resilience, with key contributions from new signings Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez, who played pivotal roles in the match. De Paul provided two assists, including one for Jordi Alba’s equalizing goal in stoppage time, while Suarez scored the decisive penalty kick that clinched the victory for Inter Miami.
Key Details
- Match Outcome: Inter Miami 2, Club Necaxa 2 (Inter Miami won 5-4 on penalties).
- Messi’s Injury: Messi exited the match in the 11th minute due to a hamstring injury. Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano indicated that the severity of the injury would be assessed in the following days.
- Goals:
- Inter Miami: Telasco Segovia (12’), Jordi Alba (90’+2’).
- Necaxa: Tomas Badaloni (33’), Ricardo Monreal (81’).
- Penalty Shootout:
- Inter Miami scorers: Benjamin Cremaschi, Jordi Alba, Federico Redondo, Luis Suarez.
- Necaxa scorers: Johan Rojas, Ricardo Monreal, but Tomas Badaloni’s attempt was blocked by Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo.
- Match Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- Tournament Context: This match was part of the Leagues Cup, an interleague competition between Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX teams.
Multiple Perspectives
The match elicited various reactions from players, coaches, and analysts. Javier Mascherano, the Inter Miami head coach, expressed cautious optimism regarding Messi’s injury, suggesting that while there was discomfort, it might not be severe. “He probably has something wrong. It might not be that serious because he wasn’t in pain, but he did feel discomfort,” Mascherano stated.
On the other hand, the performance of the team without Messi drew praise. De Paul’s contributions were highlighted as instrumental in the comeback, and the team’s ability to adapt under pressure was noted by commentators. Luis Suarez’s successful penalty kick was also seen as a testament to the team’s depth and resolve.
However, concerns remain regarding Messi’s fitness, especially given his history of hamstring injuries. Analysts pointed out that Messi has faced multiple leg injuries in recent seasons, which could impact Inter Miami’s performance in upcoming matches.
Context & Background
The Leagues Cup is a significant tournament that features teams from both MLS and Liga MX, designed to enhance competition and showcase talent from both leagues. The format has evolved to include only the top 18 teams from each league, making advancement more competitive. Inter Miami’s participation in this tournament is particularly noteworthy given the star power of Messi, who joined the team in 2023 and has since had a considerable impact on the club’s performance.
Messi’s presence has elevated the profile of MLS, drawing international attention and increasing viewership. His injury, therefore, raises questions about the team’s ability to maintain momentum in the tournament and the regular MLS season. The match against Necaxa was crucial for Inter Miami, as they aim to secure a strong position in the Leagues Cup standings.
What We Don’t Know Yet
As of now, the extent of Messi’s hamstring injury remains unclear. Further medical evaluations are expected to provide more information on his condition and potential recovery time. This uncertainty could affect Inter Miami’s strategy in upcoming matches, particularly as they prepare for a busy schedule that includes both league and cup competitions.
Additionally, the implications of Messi’s injury on Inter Miami’s overall performance in the Leagues Cup and MLS are yet to be fully understood. The team’s ability to adapt and perform without their star player will be critical in the coming weeks, as they aim to build on their current standing in the tournament.
In conclusion, while Inter Miami’s victory against Necaxa showcased the team’s resilience and depth, the situation surrounding Messi’s injury introduces a layer of uncertainty that could significantly influence the team’s trajectory in the ongoing Leagues Cup and the MLS season.
