Lionel Messi Injury Leaves Inter Miami Camp ‘Very Sad’ as Jordi Alba Hopes for Good News About ‘Best Player in the World’

A Sudden Knock Dampens the Herons’ Spirit at the Start of Leagues Cup

In the early stages of Inter Miami’s promising Leagues Cup campaign, Lionel Messi’s return to the pitch was overshadowed by a worrying hamstring injury that forced the global superstar off after just 10 minutes of action. What was meant to be another thrilling chapter in South Florida has instead put the club—and especially teammate Jordi Alba—into a state of deep concern and emotional fragility.

What Happened?

The clash with Necaxa at Chase Stadium looked competitive but routine—until Messi went down. Pressured just outside the penalty area, he went to ground clutching the back of his leg, quickly prompting medical attention. After treatment, an underwhelmed Messi was seen walking off the field—barely having made an impression in what was supposed to be a meaningful return.

Even before the test results are confirmed, the look on his face spoke volumes.

Lionel Messi Inter Miami 2024

The Bigger Picture: A Battle Weary Month

Frustratingly, this isn’t the first interruption to Messi’s season. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had already missed several early 2025 games owing to a nagging muscle issue. Though he returned with customary flair—scoring brace after brace for the Herons—his legs haven’t felt as reliable as at any point in recent memory.

The key question now: what’s the extent of this new knock, and how long of a layoff could Inter Miami be facing?

A Worrying Diagnosis: Hamstring Concerns

Insiders suggest a hamstring strain might be the culprit—a type of injury delicate enough to sideline a player for weeks, or even months, depending on severity.

“Further scans will determine whether he needs surgery—or simply time,” a club source said.
“We’re all holding our breath.”

It’s too early to provide timelines. Inter Miami are hoping for the best, but preparation for the MLS Cup and Leagues Cup finals will likely become more cautious, especially if Messi is sidelined.

What Jordi Alba Said

Former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba, now playing alongside Messi in the Herons squad, gave a heartfelt impression of the mood in camp:

“Very sad for the whole team that the best player in the world, of the history, is injured. He’s an important player. It’s a shame. Hopefully, it’s not serious because we need him.”

For the Spanish full-back, this isn’t just about tactics or goals—it’s about morale. The link he shares with Messi goes beyond the field.

Manager Javier Mascherano Chimes In

When pressed for clarity, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano struck a cautiously optimistic tone:

“We won’t know anything until tomorrow,” he said.
“Maybe it’s not something serious because he wasn’t in pain, but he felt something.”

In short—don’t expect immediate answers. But don’t panic either.

Messi’s Recent Form: Why This Hit Hurts

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To understand the weight of this setback, you need to look at Messi’s form:

• Multiple braces in recent MLS and Leagues Cup matches

• A return to sharpness, with assists and goal involvements rising

• Clear leadership in and off the field, anchoring the attack

His presence has transformed Inter Miami. Losing that impact—even temporarily—creates a huge void in creativity, set-pieces, and pure inspiration.

Did You Know?

• A hamstring injury in players Messi’s age (38) tends to recover more slowly. Recovery can vary—from a few weeks to a couple months—depending on whether it’s a mild strain or a tear.

• Messi has faced soft tissue problems before, although not frequently enough to derail full-season careers—yet still enough to cause anxiety each time they return.

• He’s spent time on personal fitness regimes, especially during the Major League offseason, to maintain agility and strength—factors now under even sharper scrutiny.

What Comes Next?

First, Messi must undergo a series of medical scans and tests. MRI results typically provide clarity within 24–48 hours. From there, Inter Miami’s medical team will decide: rest, rehabilitation, or—and this is the scariest word in football—surgery.

While fans wait for those results, the club must plan for worst-case scenarios:

• Can Jordi Alba and the coaching staff shield the midfield without Messi?

• Will Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, or Lewandowski carry more of the load?

• Does the club need to explore short-term reinforcements, especially with World Cup qualifiers around the corner?

Inter Miami’s Schedule: Pressure Ahead

Messi’s potential absence comes at a critical juncture:

• MLS Cup Playoff push: the regular season will require consistent output from the squad

• Remaining Leagues Cup fixtures: every match counts as they chase a second trophy

• International window pressure: Messi must be fit to be selected in Brazil’s lead-up to the 2026 World Cup

Without Messi’s magic, the team’s momentum may stall—though good squads adapt.

A Man’s Legacy at Stake

Messi’s potential injury also signifies another level of dramatic irony. He came to Inter Miami as the ultimate footballer—an icon at the tail end of his career expected to raise the club’s profile in every sense.

Now, his ability to dominate may hinge not just on skill, but recovery, attitude, and support. It’s a final chapter many still hope will end in glory. But first—fitness.

Final Thoughts: Waiting for the Green Light

As Messi awaits clarity, Inter Miami—and the footballing world—stands still.

The Herons camp are very sad, but also quietly hopeful. The evaluations in the next 48 hours will define not only the end of preseason, but the shape of their season. If Messi returns sooner than expected? It could be the perfect redemption storyline. If he’s out for extended time? It becomes a test of squad depth, mental toughness, and coaching.

For now, the message is simple: “We need you, Leo.”