Messi exits MLS match early, raising fitness concerns ahead of World Cup
Al Jazeera Staff
Lionel Messi asked to be substituted in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami's 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union in MLS, sparking fears of a hamstring injury just three weeks before Argentina defends its World Cup title. Coach Guillermo Hoyos called the substitution a precaution due to fatigue, but Messi's early exit and direct walk to the locker room raised concerns.
When Lionel Messi signaled for a substitution in the 72nd minute of Inter Miami's match against Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer (MLS), football fans held their breath as speculation grew over the Argentine striker's availability for the upcoming World Cup.
The 38-year-old, who had missed only one club game this MLS season, left the field in the 73rd minute as the defending champions won 6-4 at home on Sunday.
With Argentina beginning its World Cup campaign in three weeks, Messi's fitness could seriously impact the team's ambitions to retain the title.
What happened to Messi in Miami vs. Philadelphia?
After providing two assists in the MLS champions' final home game before the World Cup, Messi stood near the touchline in the final third. He gestured to Miami's coaching staff to be substituted, feeling pain at the back of his left leg.
While waiting for the fourth official to raise the substitution board with the number 10, Messi barely moved and wore a worried expression. The club captain was replaced by Mateo Silvetti in the 73rd minute, and as soon as he left the pitch, he immediately headed down the tunnel to the locker room. Cameras showed him walking slowly, without assistance, and no medical staff accompanied him.
Is Messi injured before the World Cup?
Although the Miami striker did not limp or show significant discomfort, his decision to request a substitution after having played full 90 minutes in all MLS matches this month raised concerns. Additionally, Messi chose not to sit with teammates on the bench but went straight to the locker room, fueling further speculation about his fitness.
What did Inter Miami say about Messi?
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said after the match that it was too early to determine if Messi was injured, suggesting the substitution was merely a precaution due to pitch conditions. He stated: "As far as I know, we don't have a medical report on that yet, but we will soon."
Hoyos explained Messi's exit was due to "fatigue" and the usual approach was not to take risks. Team-mate Silvetti shared: "We hope it's not serious. With his spirit, we wish him all the best."
The club's match summary on social media highlighted Luis Suarez's hat-trick and Rodrigo De Paul's birthday goal but did not mention Messi's substitution or any injury.
Messi has carefully managed his workload since joining Inter Miami in 2023, with the team regularly resting him during congested schedules. Over the past few years, he has repeatedly been sidelined with hamstring injuries, causing him to miss part of Miami's pre-season earlier this year.
Will Messi play for Argentina at the World Cup?
Messi has said he will only play in the World Cup if fit. Although he has not officially confirmed his playing plans, he is expected to attend a record-tying sixth World Cup. The Argentina squad will be announced next week, followed by friendlies in the US against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9.
If the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner suffers a serious injury, it would be a major blow to Argentina's hopes of defending the World Cup. They open their campaign against Algeria on June 16, followed by Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27.
Is this Messi's last MLS match?
Injury or not, this was Messi's final MLS match before the league takes a seven-week break for players to prepare for international duties. Matches resume on July 16, just three days before the World Cup final.
