Fresh concerns have emerged over Lionel Messi’s fitness after the Argentina captain asked to be substituted during Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer clash against Philadelphia Union on Sunday.
The 38-year-old forward was taken off in the 73rd minute after appearing to grab the back of his left leg during the rain-soaked encounter in Miami. Messi, however, walke off without assistance and headed straight down the tunnel, offering some relief to supporters fearing another injury setback.
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos later played down suggestions of a serious problem, insisting the substitution was only a precaution.
“As far as I know, we don’t have a [medical] report on that yet, but he really was fatigued,” Hoyos said after the match.
“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 condition will now be closely watched ahead of the World Cup, with Argentina expected to finalise preparations for the tournament in the coming weeks.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has not officially confirmed he will feature at the competition, though he is widely expected to lead Argentina in what could become a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance.
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has carefully managed his playing time while dealing with recurring hamstring issues. Despite those concerns, he has remained central to both club and country whenever fit.
NaijaNews / Tunmise Adesanmi
