Is Lionel Messi injured again? Javier Mascherano responds to claim Inter Miami talisman 'didn't look right' in MLS win over the Columbus Crew from ex-USMNT star Taylor Twellman

Argentine superstar Messi got another 90 minutes under his belt as the Herons claimed a battling 1-0 victory over the previously unbeaten Columbus Crew. Inter Miami now boast the only unblemished record in MLS - with five victories and three draws to their name.

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Messi has seen his workload carefully managed in 2025, with muscle complaints holding him back at times. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner appeared to be struggling slightly at the end of a hard-fought clash in Ohio.

Former United States international Twellman said in his role as a commentator for Apple TV: “The storyline is going to be Lionel Messi. Immediately walking off (the field), there’s a small limp to him walking off. He walked off immediately after the final whistle … he did not look right to me in the final 20, 25 minutes of this game.”

Mascherano has played down any concerns regarding his captain’s fitness, telling reporters: “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.”

Inter Miami need Messi to be fit and firing as they will be back in action on Thursday when facing the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final - with more major silverware in sight for the most decorated player of all-time.