Lionel Messi sparked a Messi injury scare on Sunday after leaving Inter Miami CF’s 6-4 Major League Soccer win over Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute.
Messi clutched the back of his left leg before asking to come off at a rain-soaked Nu Stadium in Miami. The 38-year-old walked straight down the tunnel after his substitution.
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said the club did not yet have a medical report. He described Messi’s condition as fatigue and said the heavy pitch made caution necessary.
“As far as I know, we don’t have a report on that yet,” Hoyos said after the match. He added that Inter Miami did not want to take risks with the forward.
Inter Miami teammate Mateo Silvetti said players were unsure whether Messi had suffered an injury or was simply tired. He said the squad hoped the issue was not serious.
17 days until the World Cup… 😶
🎥 @LeoMiamiSports pic.twitter.com/UlYyfUeDPq
— 433 (@433) May 25, 2026The scare comes less than three weeks before the FIFA World Cup 2026 begins in Mexico City on June 11. Argentina are scheduled to open their campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16.
Messi has managed his workload since joining Inter Miami in 2023. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has also dealt with hamstring problems in recent seasons.
Read: Inter Miami Beat Cincinnati 5-3 As Messi Scores Twice
Argentina are due to name their World Cup squad next week. The defending champions also have warm-up matches against Honduras in Texas on June 6 and Iceland on June 9.
