The football world holds its breath as iconic forward Lionel Messi prematurely exited a crucial Inter Miami Leagues Cup fixture, sparking immediate concerns over a potential hamstring injury.

The concerning incident unfolded just eleven minutes into Inter Miami’s high-stakes encounter against Necaxa in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, when the Argentinian footballer was forced to leave the pitch, visibly in discomfort.

While the immediate severity of the injury remained unclear, Inter Miami’s manager, Javier Mascherano, later confirmed that Messi was experiencing “hamstring discomfort” following their dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Necaxa, after the match concluded in a 2-2 draw.

Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, the 38-year-old captain has been an indispensable force, quickly transforming the club’s fortunes and becoming a pivotal figure in the Major League Soccer landscape.

His remarkable form has seen him ascend to the position of joint top scorer in Major League Soccer with an impressive 18 goals, demonstrating his continued prowess in front of the net despite his age.

Furthermore, Messi had already showcased his significant influence in the ongoing Leagues Cup tournament, notably contributing two assists in Miami’s opening match against Atlas Guadalajara, underscoring his playmaking abilities.

This setback for the star athlete casts a shadow over Inter Miami’s immediate prospects in the Leagues Cup and leaves fans and analysts eagerly awaiting further updates on the extent of the hamstring injury and his anticipated return to play.