FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — In Inter Miami’s penalty shootout win over Club Necaxa, superstar Lionel Messi suffered a hamstring injury in the 11th minute, forcing him to leave the game.
Messi came into contact with two defenders before he went down on the pitch.
The extent of the injury is unknown, but manager Javier Mascherano spoke after the game regarding the situation.
“Leo felt a discomfort in his hamstring,” Mascherano said. “It might not be that serious because he wasn’t in pain, but he did feel discomfort.”
Inter Miami will release the full extent of Messi’s injury on Sunday.
After Messi left the game, the Herons went on to score the first goal thanks to Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia.
Rodrigo De Paul notched his first assist in an Inter Miami uniform.
Five minutes later, Maximiliano Falcón received a straight red card, leaving Inter Miami with 10 men.
Club Necaxa tied the game at 1–1 right before halftime.
In the second half, Christian Calderón received his second yellow, leaving Club Necaxa with 10 men as well.
Entering extra time, Inter Miami were down 2–1, and in the 92nd minute, De Paul connected with Jordi Alba to equalize the game at 2–2.
The match went into a penalty shootout, where Inter Miami won 5–4.
Inter Miami now sits in the top four of the MLS Leagues Cup table after the win.
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