Sat Aug 02 23:40:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Messi Injured in Early Exit During Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup Match**

**FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – August 2, 2025** – Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi suffered an upper-right leg injury early in Saturday’s Leagues Cup match against Liga MX’s Necaxa, forcing his substitution in the 11th minute. The incident occurred in the 6th minute when Messi appeared to trip while dribbling toward the penalty area.

The Argentine superstar was visibly upset after the injury, but walked off the pitch on his own accord. He was replaced by midfielder Federico Redondo. Despite Messi’s early exit, Inter Miami went on to defeat Necaxa 4-1, with goals from Telasco Segovia, Luis Suarez, Tadeo Allende and a pair from Messi.

The victory is crucial for Inter Miami’s chances of advancing to the knockout stage of the Leagues Cup, as only the top four teams from both MLS and Liga MX will progress. Coach Javier Mascherano remains optimistic about his team’s chances, stating before the game, “There are still two games to play, a lot can happen.”

Notably, the match pitted Mascherano against his former Argentina teammate, Necaxa coach Fernando Gago. “It’s always special to face people you know, people you’ve shared so many good times with,” Mascherano commented before the match.

The extent of Messi’s injury is currently unknown, and further updates will be provided as they become available. The team’s performance without their star player will be closely watched as they continue their Leagues Cup campaign.

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