Inter Miami's Lionel Messi (AP Photo)

Inter Miami has announced that their captain Lionel Messi will be out of action indefinitely due to a right leg muscle injury.The Argentine star had to leave the field during Miami's Leagues Cup match against Mexico's Necaxa on Saturday, which his team won on penalties.The 38-year-old departed in the 11th minute of the game and walked to the locker room on his own.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Medical examinations were conducted to evaluate the extent of Messi's discomfort that forced his early exit from the match."The results confirmed a minor muscle injury in his right leg. His medical clearance will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment," Inter Miami said in its statement.Messi has been exceptional for Inter Miami, scoring 18 goals and providing nine assists in 18 matches, currently sharing the lead in MLS scoring."A huge sadness for the whole team," said Jordi Alba, who scored a late equaliser that led to Miami's 5-4 penalty shootout victory.Inter Miami currently holds the fifth position in the Eastern Conference with 42 points from 12 wins, 4 losses, and 6 draws, trailing Philadelphia by eight points but with three games remaining.Messi's absence could impact Miami's campaign in the Leagues Cup, a tournament they won in 2023 shortly after his arrival.Miami is scheduled to face UNAM Pumas on Wednesday. They are currently second in the MLS standings for Leagues Cup qualification with five points, needing a win to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.

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