The 38-year-old forward, Lionel Messi, scored a stunning long-range goal to propel Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over LA Galaxy in round 27 of Major League Soccer (MLS).
Despite Messi's absence, Inter Miami rallied to a 3-1 victory over Pumas UNAM in their final group stage match, securing a spot in the 2025 Leagues Cup quarterfinals.
With his personal bodyguard banned from the sidelines since 2025, Lionel Messi has a new protector on the pitch: Rodrigo De Paul, who recently joined Inter Miami from Atletico Madrid.
Captain Lionel Messi left the field in the 11th minute due to injury, as Inter Miami narrowly defeated Necaxa (Mexico) in a penalty shootout in the Leagues Cup.
The Leagues Cup Disciplinary Committee has banned Lionel Messi's bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, from the technical area due to an incident during the Inter Miami vs. Atlas match on 31/7.
Lionel Messi gifted the opposition a goal before redeeming himself with two goals and an assist, leading Inter Miami to a 4-1 comeback win against CF Montreal.