Lionel Messi left the field with an apparent thigh problem during Inter Miami’s 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Union on Sunday night.
The Miami captain was substituted in the 73rd minute after grabbing the upper part of his left thigh shortly following a free-kick. Messi immediately signalled to the bench before being replaced by Mateo Silvetti.
The 39-year-old walked off unassisted and headed straight down the tunnel at Nu Stadium.
“As far as I know, we don’t have a report on that yet, but he really was fatigued. It was fatigue,” Inter Miami coach Guillermo 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.”
Hoyos added that he had not yet spoken to Messi following the game.
Inter Miami stage comeback in eight-goal first half
Messi’s substitution overshadowed a remarkable match that featured the highest-scoring first half in MLS history.
Philadelphia raced into a 2-0 lead through a brace from Milan Iloski before German Berterame converted Messi’s cross to reduce the deficit.
The Union restored their two-goal advantage when Bruno Damiani scored after a save from Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair fell kindly into his path.
Inter Miami responded, though, as Luis Suarez scored before Berterame netted again and Suarez added another to turn the game around.
Philadelphia equalised before half-time after a VAR review ruled that Sergio Reguilon had handled the ball in the area, allowing Iloski to complete his hat-trick from the penalty spot.
The second half was played in torrential rain and chances became more limited, but Suarez completed his hat-trick in the 81st minute before Rodrigo De Paul added a sixth goal for Miami.
Argentina sweat on Messi fitness before World Cup
The result leaves Inter Miami second in the MLS Eastern Conference with 31 points, two behind leaders Nashville, heading into the league’s World Cup break.
Attention will now turn to Messi’s fitness ahead of the World Cup, where defending champions Argentina begin their Group J campaign against Algeria on June 16.
Argentina have yet to officially announce their World Cup squad, but Messi is widely expected to be included if fit.
