Is Lionel Messi in doubt for CONCACAF semi-final? Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano clarifies star’s injury status for Vancouver Whitecaps clash
Inter Miami’s unbeaten streak continues, but questions linger over the fitness of their biggest star. Lionel Messi, fresh off playing a full 90 minutes against the Columbus Crew, was spotted walking gingerly off the field—fueling speculation that another injury could sideline him just days before the club’s CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final clash.
The Herons defeated the Columbus Crew 1-0 last weekend in front of a record-setting crowd of 60,614 at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland. The match was historic, not just for the packed stadium, but because it ended the Crew’s undefeated run and allowed Miami to leapfrog them in the standings.
But while Miami celebrated the win and their place at the top of the table, all eyes turned to Messi’s quiet departure. He didn’t score, but played the full match—yet Apple TV commentator Taylor Twellman noticed something unsettling in the final stretch.
“The storyline is going to be Lionel Messi. Immediately walking off the field, there’s a small limp to him… he did not look right to me in the final 20, 25 minutes of the game,” Twellman said during the broadcast.
What did Mascherano say about Messi?
Naturally, the speculation reached Inter Miami’s post-match press conference, where head coach Javier Mascherano was asked about Messi’s condition. His response, while not definitive, was reassuring.
“As far as I know, nothing happened. He came off fine. I didn’t see him walk off, but I saw him in the dressing room. As far as I know, there’s nothing. I’ll ask the medical staff, but they haven’t told me anything,” Mascherano said, according to The Athletic.
The veteran’s 2025 campaign has been a cautious one. Despite leading Miami to the top of MLS with five wins and three draws, the 37-year-old has been carefully managed due to ongoing muscle issues. He missed Argentina’s March World Cup qualifiers with minor injuries and has yet to find consistent rhythm, though his class on the ball remains evident.
His visible discomfort in the final stages of the Columbus match adds another layer of uncertainty, especially with Miami set to face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final on April 24. It’s a golden opportunity for Mascherano’s side to reach the tournament final for the first time—a milestone that could define their season.