News Focus
- Lionel Messi left the pitch in the 72nd minute of Inter Miami’s clash with Philadelphia Union on Sunday
- The 38-year-old captain touched his hamstring and went straight to the dressing room with a concerned look
- Argentine journalist Gastón Edul reports the change was purely precautionary with no muscle tear diagnosed
- Messi wanted to avoid risking his fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup this summer
- The forward has netted 13 goals and provided 7 assists in 16 MLS appearances this term
Football supporters across Argentina held their breath when Lionel Messi signalled to the bench during Sunday’s fixture. The World Cup winner exited the match against Philadelphia Union with twenty minutes remaining after feeling discomfort in the back of his thigh.
At the time of the substitution, the score stood at four goals apiece. Inter Miami eventually secured a 6-4 victory with late strikes from Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul. However, attention quickly shifted from the result to Messi’s physical condition.
Thankfully, early reports from Argentina have calmed nerves. Reliable sources close to the national team confirm Messi requested the withdrawal himself as a safety measure. He experienced tightness in his hamstring but has suffered no actual muscle damage.
The decision to leave the pitch early makes sense given the calendar. This was Messi’s final club appearance before he joins Lionel Scaloni’s squad for the World Cup. The tournament likely represents his last chance to compete for football’s biggest prize at international level.
Messi has refused to guarantee his participation in recent months. Yet his excellent form in Major League Soccer suggests he remains sharp enough to contribute. Should Scaloni include him in the final selection, the Barcelona legend will equal Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of six World Cup tournaments.