Messi Injury Mars Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup Shootout Win Over Necaxa

Inter Miami edged past Mexican side Necaxa 5-4 on penalties in a dramatic Leagues Cup clash on Saturday night, but the victory was overshadowed by an early injury to captain Lionel Messi, Sport360NG reports.

The 38-year-old Argentine superstar was forced off in the 11th minute at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale after appearing to suffer a groin or upper right leg issue. Messi exited the field under his own power and headed straight to the locker room, leaving fans and teammates concerned.

“He felt some discomfort,” head coach Javier Mascherano told reporters post-match. “We’ll have a clearer idea tomorrow. It didn’t seem too serious, but he did feel something pull, so we didn’t want to take any chances.”

The incident occurred after Messi collided with Necaxa defender Alexis Peña at the edge of the penalty area. He tumbled to the turf and struck the ground in frustration before play continued. A few moments later, he sat down near midfield and lay back on the pitch until trainers arrived. Federico Redondo was brought on in his place.

Despite the early blow, Inter Miami held their nerve in the shootout following a 2-2 draw in regulation. Goals from Telasco Segovia and Jordi Alba canceled out strikes by Necaxa’s Tomas Badaloni and Ricardo Monreal. In the shootout, Badaloni saw his effort saved in the third round, while Rodrigo De Paul, Ben Cremaschi, Alba, Redondo and Luis Suárez all converted from the spot, Suárez sealing the win with the final kick.

The match was a feisty affair with both sides finishing with 10 men. Miami’s Maximiliano Falcon received a red card in the 17th minute, and Necaxa’s Cristian Calderón was sent off just past the hour mark.

Messi, who missed time with a thigh issue during Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers in March, had been in fine form this season. He’s registered 18 goals and nine assists in 18 MLS matches and set up both goals in Miami’s 2-1 win over Atlas earlier in the Leagues Cup.

The Herons wrap up the group stage on Wednesday when they take on Pumas. Messi’s availability for that game remains uncertain.

The Argentine icon played a pivotal role in Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup triumph last year, shortly after joining the club.