Lionel Messi's Tournament Magic Continues as Inter Miami Powers His Legendary Streak

Lionel Messi's Tournament Magic Continues as Inter Miami Powers His Legendary Streak

Although Lionel Messi was absent from the field, his Inter Miami squad maintained his remarkable tournament history in the 2025 Leagues Cup. 

Following a 3–1 victory over Liga MX side Pumas UNAM, Miami secured their spot in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals and claimed second place among 18 MLS clubs in the tournament's Phase One.

This advancement preserves Messi's perfect record of never being knocked out during group stage play—or Phase One—of any competition. 

This achievement extends throughout his entire professional journey with both club and national teams, and while he hasn't captured every trophy, each tournament has featured his teams competing in elimination rounds. Even though the Leagues Cup uses an 18-team format for both MLS and Liga MX, with clubs facing just three opponents from the opposing league, it represents another chapter in Messi's exceptional tournament history. 

This statistic significantly surpasses competitor Cristiano Ronaldo, who has suffered group stage eliminations on five occasions with club and country, including the Athens 2004 Olympics, 2005–06 Champions League, 2014 World Cup, 2020–21 UEFA Nations League, and 2022–23 UEFA Nations League. 

Nevertheless, Messi may not return to action in this tournament. During the Herons' second fixture against Necaxa, he sustained a muscle problem in his right leg and was forced to withdraw in the 11th minute, missing the final Phase One encounter. 

Miami now shifts focus back to MLS action for a rivalry clash against Florida opponents Orlando City SC, before returning to Leagues Cup duty to meet Tigres UANL in the quarterfinal round.

If Miami advances to the championship match or captures the third-place playoff, they would secure qualification for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, potentially offering Messi, Rodrigo De Pal, Luis Suárez and other star players an opportunity to claim another title. 

The quarterfinal match is scheduled for either Aug. 19 or 20, with the possible championship or third-place game against Seattle Sounders FC, Puebla, LA Galaxy or Pachuca on Aug. 31.