Messi Suffers Injury Scare Ahead of World Cup

Argentina captain Lionel Messi sparked fitness concerns ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup after asking to be substituted during Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer clash against the Philadelphia Union on Sunday.

The 38-year-old forward was taken off in the 73rd minute after appearing to clutch the back of his left leg during the encounter played in wet conditions in Miami.

Despite the scare, Messi was seen walking normally as he headed directly down the tunnel after leaving the pitch.

Inter Miami coach, Guillermo Hoyos, later downplayed concerns over a possible injury, suggesting the substitution was mainly precautionary due to fatigue and the difficult playing surface.

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“As far as I know, we don’t have a [medical] report on that yet, but he really was fatigued,” Hoyos said after the game.

“He was tired; the pitch was heavy and when in doubt, the standard approach is always to ensure you don’t take any risks,” he added.

Messi is widely expected to feature for Argentina at the World Cup scheduled to begin on June 11, although the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has yet to officially confirm his participation.

If selected, the tournament would mark a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance for the former Barcelona star as Argentina attempt to defend the title they won in 2022.

The competition will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Argentina are expected to announce their squad next week ahead of their opening fixture against Algeria on June 16.

Since joining Inter Miami CF in 2023, Messi has carefully managed his playing schedule amid recurring hamstring concerns that have sidelined him on several occasions.