Lionel Messi suffered an injury scare during Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer game against Philadelphia Union on Sunday. The Argentine star requested to be substituted in the 73rd minute of the game after clutching the back of his left leg. He appeared to walk normally as he headed straight to the dressing room.
Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos later revealed that Messi’s substitution was precautionary because of the wet pitch conditions in Miami.
“As far as I know, we don’t have a [medical] report on that yet, but he really was fatigued,” Hoyos said after the game when asked about Messi’s condition.
“He was tired; the pitch was heavy and when in doubt, the standard approach is always to ensure you don’t take any risks.”
Messi’s injury scare comes 15 days to the World Cup. Argentina have not confirmed if the 38-year-old, who has recently spent spells on the sideline with hamstring issues, will feature for the defending champions. But he is expected to return for a record-equalling sixth appearance at the world’s biggest football tournament which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Argentina will reportedly name their squad next week and will play their opening game against Algeria on 16 June.
