Lionel Messi was forced to make an early exit from Inter Miami ’s 5-4 penalty kick shootout win over Necaxa on Saturday evening, due to an injury picked up in the opening minutes of the Leagues Cup Phase One clash at Chase Stadium.

Rodrigo De Paul has enjoyed years of playing alongside Lionel Messi for Argentina's national team, but the star midfielder said that for a long time, he's dreamed of playing on the same club with his good friend.

The Leagues Cup makes its return this week, first with a batch of matches on Tuesday that included Toluca's win over reigning champions Columbus Crew on penalties. The action continues on Wednesday and Thursday, much of the attention on Inter Miami as superstar Lionel Messi welcomes another friend to South Florida.