Lionel Messi sparked concern after going down on the pitch and being substituted during Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Necaxa. It has now been confirmed that the Leagues Cup 2025 will be without its biggest star, meaning fans will miss the highly anticipated matchup between Messi and Keylor Navas — a game many considered the most exciting of this phase.

Lionel Messi to Miss Several Matches

Inter Miami CF confirmed that Messi sustained a minor muscle injury in his right leg, sidelining the MLS superstar for the coming days. His return will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment.

While the injury is not considered serious, Messi will miss at least one Leagues Cup game, and potentially several key matches in both the international tournament and Major League Soccer (MLS).

Which Leagues Cup Matches Will Lionel Messi Miss?

Head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed that Messi will not be available for the match against Pumas UNAM on Wednesday, August 6, the final game of the Leagues Cup group stage.

Should Inter Miami advance to the knockout rounds, Messi would have until August 19 — the date of the Leagues Cup quarterfinals — to recover. However, his availability for the decisive matches remains uncertain.

Potential Leagues Cup Absences:

* Subject to Inter Miami’s qualification

Mascherano remains optimistic about Messi’s recovery:

“It’s a mild injury, and within the bad news, there’s good news. Messi usually recovers quickly and well from these types of injuries.”

Lionel Messi’s Status for Upcoming MLS Games

Messi’s availability for Inter Miami’s MLS fixtures is also in doubt. The injury occurred just a week before their clash against Orlando City on August 10, making his participation unlikely. Inter Miami will also face LA Galaxy on August 16 and DC United on August 23.

Potential MLS Absences:

Even if Messi recovers in time, the coaching staff may choose to rest him to ensure he’s fully fit for the later stages of the Leagues Cup.