We don't have an exact timeline — Mascherano provides update after Messi's 11th-minute injury

In what is a huge sigh of relief for Inter Miami supporters across the globe, coach Javier Mascherano has confirmed that Lionel Messi’s injury is not serious, as he is expected to be back in action soon. However, the Argentine talisman will miss their next Leagues Cup match against Pumas.

As Pulse Sports reported, Messi suffered what seemed like a serious injury in Inter Miami's League Cup clash against Mexican side Necaxa. The 38-year-old was summarily substituted off, a rare sighting in his career after a brief attempt from the club's medical staff to treat him on the pitch.

The former Barcelona man went down away from the action, writhing in pain. After the medical staff deemed him unfit to continue, he headed into the dugout at the 11th-minute mark.

Inter Miami eventually drew the game and won an additional point via penalty shootouts. This unique Leagues Cup rule means that they are now on five points, having won their first game and collected two points in the second.

A win in their third group stage game would guarantee them a place in the next round of the competition. However, they would have to do it without their captain, as he has been ruled out of the contest.

Mascherano revealed that Messi's injury was not as serious as once feared; however, he is not in contention for their game against the Mexican side on Thursday. “I spoke with him yesterday – it’s a minor injury,” he revealed, per Goal. “Within the bad news, it’s actually positive.

“Of course, we don’t like having him out, but we also avoid setting exact timelines. He’s very special and tends to recover quickly, so we’ll take it day by day. He’s definitely out for tomorrow, but after that, we’ll see how he progresses based on the tests from the medical staff.”