Lionel Messi sparks injury fears after early exit in Inter Miami win

Football star Lionel Messi has slightly alarmed fans of the Argentine national team ahead of the World Cup after leaving an MLS match early.

His team Inter Miami defeated Philadelphia Union 6–4, but Messi exited in the 73rd minute after taking a free kick and immediately grabbing his leg. A potential hamstring injury has so far been ruled out.

After providing two assists in the first half of Miami’s four goals, Messi was forced to leave the pitch in the 73rd minute, CE Report quotes STA.

He was replaced by Matteo Silvetti, while Messi walked directly to the tunnel and locker room without medical assistance.

Concerned reports quickly speculated about a worst-case scenario involving a hamstring injury. Messi, who has played in five World Cups, has previously stated he will only participate in the tournament if fully fit.

Argentina is set to begin its World Cup title defense against Algeria on June 16.

“I can confirm that, as far as I know, we cannot speak of an injury yet; we do not have a detailed medical report, but I can confirm we substituted him because he was tired. It was fatigue,” Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said after the match, according to ESPN. “The conditions on the pitch were difficult, and when in doubt it is always better to prevent a potential injury rather than treat one, so we did not want to take any risks.”

The match in Miami also delivered new milestones for the North American soccer league, with fans witnessing eight goals in the first half alone as the score stood at 4–4.

Miami took control in the second half despite heavy rain and scored two more goals to secure the win.

Photo Instagram/leomessi