Messi Sidelined with Minor Injury Ahead of Key Match
Inter Miami will be without Lionel Messi in their decisive Leagues Cup group match against Pumas UNAM, after the Argentine forward suffered a minor muscle issue in his right leg.
The 37-year-old star sustained the injury during a recent 2-1 win of Miami over Necaxa.
Head coach Javier Mascherano, speaking to reporters, described the setback as a small muscle strain and noted that Messi typically recovers quickly from such problems.
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However, he confirmed the star would not be available for the upcoming game.
Although there is no official timeline for his return, Mascherano expressed hope that Messi could be back if the team progresses to the knockout stage.
Inter Miami must first beat Pumas in what has now become a must-win contest for a place in the quarter-finals.
Messi, who has netted 18 goals so far this season, has been instrumental since joining the club in 2023, helping them lift their first-ever Leagues Cup title.
Following the Pumas fixture, Inter Miami will shift focus back to Major League Soccer (MLS) with a key clash against Orlando City on Sunday.
