‘Felt discomfort’ – Lionel Messi devastated as he’s forced off with injury in Inter Miami Leagues Cup match

Lionel Messi ‘felt discomfort’ before being forced off during Inter Miami’s latest Leagues Cup clash.

The MLS outfit hosted Mexican side Necaxa in their second group stage fixture on Saturday.

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However, their captain was only able to play the opening 11 minutes before being taken off with an injury.

Messi required treatment after going down under a challenge on the edge of the opposition penalty box.

Javier Mascherano ultimately chose to withdraw the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Following the match, the Inter Miami boss explained: “Well, he felt discomfort, and we will not be able to know until tomorrow how severe the injury is.

“There’s probably something there. Maybe not as important, because he was really not in pain. But he did feel a pull.”

Meanwhile, Messi’s team-mate Telasco Segovia revealed: “I asked him [Messi] how he’s doing to check on him, and he told me he’s fine. But I think they haven’t done any tests on him yet.”

The 38-year-old’s contract in Florida is set to expire at the end of this year, having joined the club in 2023.

So far this season, Messi has scored 24 goals and provided 10 assists in 31 appearances across all competitions.

These include a pair of assists in Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup opener against Atlas on Thursday.

Following his injury against Necaxa, Mascherano’s side went on to draw 2-2 at the Chase Stadium.

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Jordi Alba’s stoppage time strike rescued a draw for the home side, who won 5-4 on penalties.

Assessing the result, Mascherano said: “The feeling after the game is totally bitter. It was a match we had under control.

“We were playing the first 15 minutes just as we had planned, we took the lead despite Leo’s injury, and then from a foul that wasn’t a foul, they ended up screwing you in a game that could also screw your qualification – and you’re left looking like an idiot. That’s the reality.”

When is Lionel Messi playing next?

Miami and Messi, if fit, will conclude their Leagues Cup group stage campaign against Pumas on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, they are scheduled to return to MLS action four days later away to rivals Orlando City.

As it stands, Miami are set to advance to the knockout stages of the Leagues Cup.

They currently sit second in the MLS team standings behind Portland Timbers.

The top four clubs from each of the USA and Mexico will progress to the quarter-finals, which will take place later this month.