Leo Messi sparks fears after substitution request in last MLS match before World Cup opener

The Argentine felt discomfort in Inter Miami’s win over Philadelphia Union and asked to be replaced

Inter Miami defeated Philadelphia Union 6-4 on Sunday at Nu Stadium in a victory that keeps Guillermo Hoyos’ side within two points of Eastern Conference leaders Nashville.

Summer signing Germán Berterame scored a brace, Luis Suárez netted a hat-trick and Rodrigo De Paul capped off the match in injury time to seal a memorable win.

However, despite the 10-goal thriller, the main talking point came on 73 minutes, when Leo Messi – who made two assists on the night – departed the game through injury.

The Argentine is known for not taking too kindly to being taken off, regardless of the circumstances. However, it was Messi himself who requested the substitution due to apparent discomfort, and headed straight down the tunnel with the game tied at 4-4.

With the World Cup kicking off in less than three weeks, the injury has caused significant concern, as reigning champions Argentina begin their campaign against Algeria on June 17

Messi specifically was seen clutching the back of his left leg, signalling a potential hamstring problem.

After the game, Miami head coach Hoyos stated that he had not yet received any update about the player’s condition, and that further tests would be needed to confirm the extent of the issue. However, Hoyos did indicate that the problem could be fatigue related, stating that “I know that he is very tired”.

For now it is believed that the substitution request was nothing more than a precautionary move from Messi to protect himself from aggravating a potential hamstring tear.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who turns 39 on June 24, has learnt to manage his body cautiously in the latter part of his career, especially when it comes to remaining available for his national team.

Given the close proximity to the start of the World Cup, it is logical that Messi will be placing extra caution when feeling any tweaks. As this was the last match in Major League Soccer before the World Cup, the legendary Argentine will have just over three weeks to return to peak condition before his country’s opener.