Messi Injured, Risks Long-Term Out

Inter Miami faced Necaxa (Mexico) in the second round of the League Cup group stage. It was in this match that Messi was to start and was expected to shine.

However, things didn't go as M10 and its fans had hoped. In the 8th minute, Messi burst into the Necaxa penalty box and was caught between two opposing defenders, Raul Sanchez and Alexis Pena.

Although the referee didn't award a penalty, the collision with the two opposing defenders resulted in Messi's injury. The Argentine star fell to the ground, clapped his hands in disappointment, and tried to continue for several minutes before being replaced by Federico Redondo.

The match then resumed, but the Argentine superstar slowly walked to the center of the pitch before sitting down to allow medical staff to treat his thigh.

For the remainder of the match against Necaxa, Inter Miami, even without Messi, remained emotionally charged. De Paul delivered a brilliant performance with two assists to help Inter Miami draw 2-2 with their opponents, which forced the match to go to penalties.

In the penalty shootout, Inter Miami won 5-4, earning two additional points to keep their hopes of advancing to the League Cup quarterfinals alive.

There is currently no official information regarding Messi's injury, but judging by the Argentine star's reaction on the pitch, it's highly likely he will be out for several weeks, or even months. This is bad news for Inter Miami as the team prepares for a continuous season with four matches per day.