Lionel Messi Forced Off with Hamstring Injury in Leagues Cup Clash

Lionel Messi got hurt in his hamstring and had to leave the Leagues Cup match against Necaxa in just the 11th minute. The game was played at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. The 38-year-old Argentine star seemed to be getting treatment on the upper part of his right leg or groin before walking off the field by himself and heading to the locker room.

Later, it was said that he felt discomfort in his hamstring.

Coach Javier Mascherano said after the match, “He felt some discomfort. We won’t know how serious it is until tomorrow. It doesn’t seem too bad since he wasn’t in much pain, but he did feel a pull.”

Messi had the ball and tried to move past the Necaxa defense. But he stumbled near the penalty area, bumped into defender Alexis Pena, and fell to the ground. He hit the ground in frustration as the ball was cleared away.

A few moments later, Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi was alone on the left side of the field near the middle when he suddenly sat down and then lay on his back. Trainers came to check on him.

Coach Javier Mascherano decided to replace Messi with Federico Redondo.

Back in March, during the World Cup qualifiers, Messi had problems with a thigh injury.

This season in MLS, Messi has scored 18 goals and made 9 assists in 18 matches.

On Wednesday, he helped Inter Miami win 2-1 over Atlas by assisting both goals in their first Leagues Cup match.

Miami will play their next group match in the Leagues Cup against Pumas on Wednesday.

Last year, Messi helped Inter Miami win the first-ever Leagues Cup soon after joining the team.