Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi will be out of action for an unknown period after picking up a minor muscle injury in his right leg, according to a statement from the club.
The injury occurred during Inter Miami’s recent Leagues Cup match against Mexico’s Necaxa. The 38-year-old Argentine football legend had to leave the game in just the 11th minute, though he was able to walk off the field on his own and head into the locker room.
Following a medical examination, the team confirmed that Messi had suffered a slight strain in the upper part of his right leg. His return to play will depend entirely on how his body responds to treatment, and there is currently no set timeline for his recovery.
Messi has been in outstanding form this season, sharing the top spot on the MLS scoring chart with 18 goals and also recording nine assists in just 18 matches.
Jordi Alba, who scored the equalizing goal for Miami in stoppage time to push the game to a penalty shootout, expressed sadness over Messi’s early exit, calling it a big blow for the entire team.
Inter Miami is set to play UNAM Pumas on Wednesday. The team is currently second in their group with five points and will move on to the quarterfinals if they secure a win.
