Lionel Messi hamstring injury update shakes Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup campaign

Messi’s injury occurred just 11 minutes into the match after a collision with Necaxa’s Raul Sanchez and Alexis Pena. The star visibly went down in pain, receiving medical attention before being replaced by Federico Redondo. The club has since confirmed the injury is a minor hamstring strain, but crucially, they haven’t given a clear timeline for his return. It’s a blow, no doubt, especially given Messi’s outstanding form this season, with 24 goals and 10 assists in 31 appearances so far.

Inter Miami faces a real test of resilience without Messi on the pitch. The team leaned heavily on the World Cup winner during their recent run in the FIFA Club World Cup, where he played every minute of all four games. Not to mention his pivotal role in Miami’s 2023 Leagues Cup success, including scoring in regulation and converting a penalty in the final against Nashville SC. Can Miami pull through without their most lethal weapon? That’s the big question now.

Still, this could be an opportunity for other players to step up and shine. Miami’s upcoming match against UNAM Pumas will be telling. If the team can secure a positive result despite Messi’s absence, it might bode well for their depth and strategy. But it’s hard to say how this will end, losing a player of Messi’s caliber isn’t something you just shake off easily. Every minute without him on the pitch will feel like a mountain to climb.

Looking ahead, the impact of this Lionel Messi hamstring injury update remains uncertain. The club’s cautious approach to his recovery shows they don’t want to rush a return that could risk a more serious setback. With the stakes high in the Leagues Cup and the MLS season ongoing, Miami must now adjust quickly to a Messi-less lineup. For those interested in sharp insights and predictions on how this might affect Inter Miami’s fortunes, our expert MLS Predictions offer a deeper dive into the unfolding story.