A New Messi Injury? Here’s What We Know
Inter Miami's 1–0 win over Columbus Crew brought more concern than celebration, despite the important result secured in Ohio. While Javier Mascherano’s team solidified their status as the only unbeaten team in MLS and picked up their first victory in April, all the attention quickly shifted to one name: Lionel Messi.
The Argentine star, who played the full 90 minutes for the fifth consecutive game, left the pitch showing signs of discomfort and headed straight to the locker room—raising alarms among fans of the club and the football world at large.
Is Lionel Messi Injured?
During the final 20 minutes of the match, the Argentina captain appeared to slow down and showed some discomfort in his movement. Cameras caught him walking down the tunnel with a slight limp, which raised concern given his recent history of injuries.
So far this season, Messi has already missed three matches due to physical issues, and he also sat out Argentina’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March. At 37 years old, physical wear and tear is becoming an increasingly delicate issue, and his fitness has become a constant concern for Inter Miami.
After the match, head coach Mascherano tried to ease the speculation. “As far as I know, he’s fine. I didn’t see him walk off, but I saw him in the dressing room and there was nothing unusual. I’ll ask the medical staff, but they haven’t told me anything,” he told the press.
Inter Miami Turns Attention to the Concacaf Champions Cup
The concern over Messi’s condition grows even more with Inter Miami’s crucial match just around the corner: the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal against Vancouver Whitecaps, taking place in Canada on Thursday, April 24. The short recovery time could pose a challenge for the Argentine, who has been vital in the tournament, scoring five of his team’s eleven goals in the competition.
We’ll have to wait and see if the Argentine star is fit in time, or if the coaching staff decides to rest him. His presence—or absence—could be decisive in the Florida side’s bid for international glory.
