Lionel Messi was at the center of a major injury scare just weeks before the start of the World Cup on Sunday, abruptly exiting Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer clash against the Philadelphia Union. The Argentine superstar was substituted in the 73rd minute at a rain-soaked Nu Stadium after clutching the back of his left leg and signaling to the bench.
The 38-year-old icon appeared to be walking normally as he headed straight down the tunnel following his departure from a chaotic match that Miami went on to win 6-4. However, the sight of the captain leaving the pitch prematurely sent immediate shockwaves through Argentina’s World Cup camp.
Coach Points to Fatigue and Pitch Conditions
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos moved quickly to temper immediate fears of a serious muscle tear, suggesting the substitution was precautionary and directly linked to the heavy playing surface.
“As far as I know, we don’t have a medical report on that yet, but we will have one shortly,” Hoyos said in his post-match press conference. “He was genuinely suffering from fatigue in that regard — it is indeed fatigue. He was tired; the pitch was heavy, and when in doubt, the standard approach is always to ensure you don’t take any risks.”
2>A History of Cautious Management
Messi has meticulously managed his workload since arriving in the United States in 2023. The club has frequently rested the forward during congested fixture windows to protect him from the wear and tear of the MLS season. He has also spent multiple stints on the sidelines in recent years due to hamstring problems, which notably caused him to miss parts of Miami’s pre-season campaign earlier this year.
Teammate Mateo Silvetti admitted the squad was left in the dark regarding the severity of the issue. “I’m just as in the dark as everyone else,” Silvetti said. “At that moment, we were all focused on the match. I didn’t know if it was an injury or if he was simply tired. We’re hoping it turns out to be nothing serious.”
Race Against the Clock for Argentina
Any significant injury to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner would deal a devastating blow to’s hopes of defending their crown in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament kicks off in Mexico City on June 11, with Argentina scheduled to play their opening game against Algeria in Kansas City just five days later.
Sunday’s match was Inter Miami’s final fixture before the MLS pauses for the global showpiece. Messi has not formally confirmed his participation, but he is widely expected to return for a record-equaling sixth World Cup appearance.
Argentina’s squad is due to be named next week. The South American giants are slated to travel to the United States shortly afterward for crucial pre-World Cup friendlies against Honduras in Texas on June 6, followed by a match against Iceland on June 9.
