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4h ago

Messi Scores and Assists in Return but Hamstring Issue Keeps Future Uncertain

Inter Miami awaits Messi’s recovery in a day-to-day assessment that will decide his Leagues Cup quarterfinal role; Argentina’s qualifier plans hinge on his fitness.

Lionel Messi Angel di Maria Diego Maradona Argentina
Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Group G - Manchester City v Al Ain - Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. - June 22, 2025 Manchester City's Claudio Echeverri in action with Al Ain's Amadou Niang REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli/File Photo
Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Group A - FC Porto v Al Ahly - MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S. - June 23, 2025 FC Porto's Alan Varela in action with Al Ahly's Wessam Abou Ali IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Mark Smith/File Photo
Soccer Football - Real Madrid Unveil Franco Mastantuono - Ciudad Real Madrid, Valdebebas, Madrid, Spain - August 14, 2025 New Real Madrid signing Franco Mastantuono during the presentation REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura/File Photo

Overview

  • Messi returned from a right-hamstring strain suffered on Aug. 2, entering at halftime against LA Galaxy and scoring the go-ahead goal in the 84th minute.
  • He followed up with an exquisite no-look backheel assist to set up Luis Suárez’s late strike, sealing Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory.
  • The goal against the Galaxy propelled Messi to 40 MLS career goals in just 44 matches, making him the second-fastest player to reach the milestone.
  • Coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged Messi “wasn’t 100% comfortable” and confirmed that his availability will be assessed daily ahead of Miami’s Leagues Cup quarterfinal versus Tigres UANL.
  • Argentina named Messi in its preliminary 31-man squad for September’s World Cup qualifiers but emphasized his participation depends on how quickly his hamstring recovers.