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Argentina star Lionel Messi suffered an injury scare ahead of the World Cup, requesting to be substituted during Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer game on Sunday.
Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos later suggested that the 38-year-old forward’s substitution against the Philadelphia Union was precautionary due to pitch conditions in a wet Miami.
The 2022 World Cup winner clutched the back of his left leg in the 73rd minute of the game, but appeared to be walking normally as he headed down the tunnel.
“As far as I know, we don’t have the (medical) report on it yet, but he was really tired,” Hoyos said after the game when asked about Messi’s condition.
“He was tired; the pitch was heavy and when in doubt, there’s always standard procedure so you don’t take any risks.”
Messi has not officially confirmed he plans to play for the defending champions at the World Cup, which starts on June 11, but is widely expected to return for a record-equalling sixth appearance at the finals, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Argentina’s squad will be announced next week, with their opening game against Algeria on June 16.
Since moving to Miami in 2023, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has carefully managed his workload but has still spent spells on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.
