Javier Mascherano put no timescale on Lionel Messi’s return from a hamstring injury sustained against Necaxa.

Inter Miami star Messi went down in the eighth minute of Saturday’s Leagues Cup match after a challenge from two defenders, and was seen gingerly walking towards midfield as play continued.

He was then given treatment by the medical staff near the Miami bench before being substituted for Federico Redondo in the 11th minute, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner going straight down the tunnel.

Medical tests confirmed that Messi has a problem in his right leg and is certain to miss Inter’s next match against Pumas on Wednesday.

After watching his side win 5-4 in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw, coach Javier Mascherano said that the severity of Messi’s injury was still unclear.

Injury update: Leo Messi.

Here: https://t.co/3vWDpkNPgF pic.twitter.com/SyibxW0lgA

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 3, 2025

“He felt discomfort,” Mascherano said.

“We will not be able to know until [Monday] how severe the injury is. There’s probably something there. He was not in pain, but he did feel a pull.”

Messi missed a couple of Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers earlier in the year due to an adductor injury.

The ex-Barcelona superstar has been in sparkling form for Miami this term, scoring 18 goals in 18 MLS matches in 2025.