Lionel Messi, the 37-year-old football icon and star forward for Inter Miami, will miss the crucial Leagues Cup match against Pumas UNAM due to a minor muscle injury in his upper right leg during Miami’s win over Necaxa on July 27, 2025, which sidelines the Argentine legend as the team aims to advance in the tournament.
Coach Javier Mascherano confirmed the setback but expressed optimism about a quick recovery, noting that it is “good news” in the context of bad circumstances, given Messi’s history of rapid healing from similar injuries.
Mascherano spoke to the media, saying, “Despite the bad news, there is some good news. He usually recovers very well from injuries and, most importantly, he typically does so quickly. We will wait and see. However, it’s clear that he will not be available for tomorrow’s match. We’ll also assess how he feels and how he progresses.” The coach highlighted that there is no set timeline for Messi’s return, but the team remains hopeful that he could return for the knockout stages if Miami advances, as this would allow for two weeks of rest before the quarter-finals.
🚨🗣️ 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Mascherano: "I spoke with Lionel Messi and it's clear that it's a minor injury. He won't play tomorrow and after that we will see. He usually recovers quite fast from injuries." pic.twitter.com/vLa3Qokd6F
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) August 5, 2025Messi and Inter Miami’s Challenge
Lionel Messi, who currently leads Major League Soccer (MLS) with 18 goals this season, played a crucial role in helping Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup title in 2023 shortly after joining the team. His absence adds extra pressure on the Herons, who likely need a victory over Pumas to advance to the quarter-finals. Miami’s next MLS match is against Orlando on August 10, 2025, where Messi’s presence could be extremely important.
The injury, while minor, adds to the challenges Messi has faced with leg issues in recent years. As a global superstar with eight Ballon d’Or awards, his health is closely watched by fans worldwide. Inter Miami, bolstered by Messi’s star power, continues to build its roster, but his absence tests the team’s depth in high-stakes competitions like the Leagues Cup.
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Messi’s injury underscores the physical demands on aging athletes and affects Inter Miami’s tournament prospects. Fans and analysts are eager for his quick return, considering his unparalleled influence on the game.
