Argentina captain Lionel Messi has sparked fresh injury concerns after asking to be substituted during Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer clash against the Philadelphia Union.
According to BBC Sport, the 38-year-old was replaced in the 73rd minute after appearing to clutch the back of his left leg during Sunday’s match played in wet conditions in Miami.
Messi walked off the pitch unaided before heading down the tunnel, easing fears of a serious injury.
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos later said the substitution was only precautionary.
“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.
The Argentine star has yet to officially confirm his participation at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, although he is widely expected to feature in what would be his sixth appearance at the tournament.
Messi has carefully managed his workload since joining Inter Miami in 2023 but has occasionally struggled with hamstring-related issues.
