Lionel Messi sparked concern ahead of the FIFA World Cup after being substituted with an apparent thigh issue during Inter Miami’s dramatic 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Sunday.
The Argentine superstar was forced off in the 73rd minute after clutching the back of his thigh following one of his trademark free kicks. The incident came in Messi’s final club appearance before joining Argentina for their World Cup title defence next month.
Despite the worrying moment, Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos downplayed the severity of the issue, suggesting fatigue was the main reason behind the substitution.
“We don’t have a medical report yet, but we should have one soon,” Hoyos told reporters after the match.
“He was clearly feeling fatigue. The pitch was heavy, and when there’s any doubt, it’s better not to take risks.”
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, played a key role as Inter Miami secured a high-scoring win before Major League Soccer pauses for the upcoming World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni included Messi in his preliminary 55-man squad announced on May 11. The final 26-man squad must be confirmed before FIFA’s June 1 deadline.
The 37-year-old remains central to Argentina’s hopes of defending the World Cup crown they won in Qatar four years ago. La Albiceleste will begin their campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16.
