Image Source: USA Today
In a surprising twist during the Leagues Cup match on August 2, 2025, Lionel Messi was substituted following an injury in the first ten minutes of play against Liga MX team Necaxa. The soccer superstar tripped while navigating past two defenders, falling to the ground in palpable distress, indicating the seriousness of his condition.
Methode of Injury
Messi’s injury occurred early in the match when he was running towards the penalty area. Shortly after the sixth-minute incident, he got up, visibly upset, and walked back towards the Inter Miami bench, where he expressed his frustration by slapping the backs of his legs. Subsequently, he was substituted in the 11th minute, with Federico Redondo replacing him. Up to that moment, Messi had already assisted twice in a previous match leading to victory for Inter Miami.
Match Overview: Inter Miami vs. Necaxa
The match itself ended in a draw, with Inter Miami and Necaxa both scoring two goals each. The game proceeded to penalties, where Necaxa converted their first attempt, while Inter Miami equalized. Eventually, after some nail-biting moments, the penalty shootout concluded in favor of Necaxa.
- Necaxa: Agustin Palavecino scored first (1-0)
- Inter Miami: Rodrigo De Paul tied the game (1-1)
- Necaxa: Johan Rojas gave them the lead again (2-1)
- Inter Miami: Benjamin Cremaschi stepped up but fell short in the penalty phase.
Coach’s Perspective
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano addressed the situation, emphasizing that there are still two matches left and much can happen in the tournament. His concern lies not just in Messi’s absence but in ensuring his team’s ability to maintain scoring opportunities to advance to the knockout stages of the Leagues Cup.
What’s Next for Inter Miami?
With Messi’s status uncertain, the upcoming schedule for Inter Miami will be crucial. They are slated to face Pumas on August 6, followed by a regular season match against Orlando City on August 10, and a showdown with the LA Galaxy on August 16. Messi’s injury may impact not only his play but the team dynamics as they aim for qualifying positions in the tournament.
Leagues Cup Context
The Leagues Cup serves as an important tournament for both MLS and Liga MX teams, offering a stage for player performance and an opportunity to showcase talent on international soil. Inter Miami, looking to establish a strong foothold, now faces the challenge of competing without their star as they aim for advancement in this prestigious tournament.
Short-term Predictions
While the situation remains delicate, predictions from pundits suggest that Inter Miami could still manage a strong performance in upcoming matches, though the pressure mounts as they will need to step up their game significantly without Messi leading the charge.
FAQs
What happened to Messi in the match against Necaxa?
Messi suffered an upper-right leg injury while playing against Necaxa, resulting in his substitution in the 11th minute.
Who replaced Messi in the match?
He was replaced by Federico Redondo shortly after his injury in the first half.
What are the upcoming matches for Inter Miami?
Inter Miami will next face Pumas on August 6 and Orlando City on August 10 as part of their schedule in the Leagues Cup and MLS regular season.
How did the match end between Inter Miami and Necaxa?
The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Necaxa winning the penalty shootout.
What does Messi’s injury mean for Inter Miami’s chances?
Messi’s injury could significantly impact Inter Miami’s performance and ability to qualify for the next rounds in the Leagues Cup.