Lionel Messi is facing a spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury during Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup clash against Toronto FC, leaving fans and the football world concerned. The Argentine superstar lasted just 11 minutes on the pitch before being substituted, sparking immediate fears about the severity of the injury. While official confirmation is expected following medical tests, early signs point toward a multi-game absence—and this time, it was an injury that the club had tried hard to prevent.
What Happened to Messi?
During Inter Miami’s recent match against Toronto FC, Messi felt discomfort in his right hamstring and signaled to the bench shortly after kickoff. He was quickly withdrawn from the game as a precaution.
Javier Mascherano, who was present during the match, explained:
“Leo felt discomfort in the hamstring. We’ll only know the exact extent of the injury once the swelling goes down and tests are done.”
While there was no visible sign of sharp pain, Messi’s early exit suggests the club is taking no risks with his fitness, especially given his recent match load.
A Heavy Match Schedule That Took Its Toll
Messi’s injury doesn’t come as a complete surprise. In fact, it was almost expected considering his packed schedule over the last few weeks:
- 5 MLS games in 15 days before the All-Star break
- 9 official matches in 35 days, including Leagues Cup and international duty
- Scheduled for 10 more games in 34 days after the All-Star Game
Despite these intense demands, Messi played a full game against Atlas and only managed 11 minutes against Necaxa before pulling up.
MLS All-Star Game Absence Was a Warning Sign
Inter Miami had already made the controversial decision to rest Messi for the MLS All-Star Game, a move that was intended to protect him from injury due to fatigue. That decision sparked backlash from fans and critics, and even led to a one-game suspension for the Argentine.
But in hindsight, it now appears that Inter Miami was right to be cautious. The club tried to minimize risk, knowing Messi’s body was being pushed to its limits. Unfortunately, it seems the rest wasn’t enough to prevent this setback.
What’s Next for Messi?
Messi is undergoing medical scans and evaluations in Miami, which will confirm the grade of the hamstring injury. Until the inflammation subsides, doctors won’t know exactly how long he’ll be out.
However, given the nature of hamstring injuries, even a minor strain could see Messi miss several key games, including Leagues Cup knockout rounds and MLS fixtures.
Inter Miami Without Messi: Can They Cope?
In Messi’s absence, players like Rodrigo De Paul and Jordi Alba will need to step up. They already played heroic roles in recent matches, and their leadership will be crucial in keeping Inter Miami’s momentum alive.
The team has built its success around Messi’s creative vision and finishing—his absence will force a tactical rethink and greater reliance on squad depth.
One step closer ‼️ See you next Wednesday 🏟️
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 3, 2025
Secure your tickets here: https://t.co/z7ncEYWRdL pic.twitter.com/5Xf7mFlm0I
MLS’s Golden Goose Is Out
There’s no sugarcoating this: Messi is the face of MLS 2025. His presence has boosted ticket sales, viewership, merchandise, and global attention. With Messi sidelined for multiple games, the league may face a noticeable dip in excitement and revenue—at least temporarily.
This situation raises tough questions:
- Should the MLS reduce player load?
- Was the travel and match schedule too aggressive?
- Is player welfare being prioritized enough?
Messi’s injury is a reminder that even the greatest athletes need proper rest and recovery. Inter Miami and MLS must now navigate the short-term challenges of his absence, while ensuring his long-term health and performance remain intact.
More details on his recovery timeline will surface after the medical tests, but for now, fans and teammates will have to rally in his absence—hoping for a swift and safe return.
We’ll continue to follow Messi’s recovery closely and provide updates as soon as they’re available. For more insights on Inter Miami, MLS news, and football coverage, bookmark Profaves.com and follow us for real-time updates.
