Inter Miami’s team captain Lionel Messi was forced to leave the field early during Sunday night’s 6-4 home win against the Philadelphia Union after what appeared to be a left thigh injury.
The incident occurred in the 70th minute when the two-time consecutive MLS MVP was seen clutching the upper portion of his left thigh following a free kick attempt. The soccer legend from Argentina asked to be taken out of the game and walked to the locker room after Mateo Silvetti came in as his replacement.
The 28-year-old player, who leads the league with 20 goal contributions this season (12 goals and eight assists) across 14 games, was able to walk off the field without assistance. During his fourth campaign with Inter Miami, Messi has recorded 107 goal contributions (62 goals and 45 assists) over 67 appearances, starting 59 of those contests.
Team coach Guillermo Hoyos downplayed concerns about the substitution, though he acknowledged not having discussed the situation with Messi following the game’s conclusion.
“As far as I know, we don’t have a report on that yet, but he really was fatigued. It was fatigue,” Hoyos said after the match. “Yes, it was fatigue. He was tired, the field was heavy, and rather than doubt, you always say not to take the risk.”
Major League Soccer enters a six-week hiatus following Sunday’s games, with the FIFA World Cup scheduled to kick off June 11 and continue until July 19.
Messi is anticipated to represent Argentina, the current World Cup title holders, although the roster for this year’s tournament remains unannounced. Argentina’s opening Group J contest is set for June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City. The team will prepare for group competition with exhibition games against Honduras on June 6 at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field and Iceland on June 9 at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium.
