Lionel Messi left Sunday's Major League Soccer match against the Philadelphia Union after suffering a hamstring injury [1].
The incident creates immediate concern for the Argentine forward's fitness as he prepares for the upcoming World Cup. Any prolonged recovery for the star player could impact both Inter Miami's season and his national team's tactical planning.
The match took place on May 24, 2026, at Nu Stadium in Miami, Florida [1], [2]. Messi, who is 38 years old [1], was substituted in the 73rd minute [3] after grabbing his left thigh.
Inter Miami secured a 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union [4]. Despite the high-scoring win, the substitution of their primary attacker served as a cautionary moment for the club's medical staff.
A spokesperson for Inter Miami addressed the situation following the game. "Messi suffered an injury to his left hamstring, calling the injury 'muscle fatigue'" the spokesperson said [5].
The substitution was described as precautionary to prevent a more severe tear. While some reports characterized the event as an injury scare [6], the club's official designation of muscle fatigue suggests a less severe condition than a full muscle strain.
Messi has been central to Inter Miami's offensive strategy since joining the league. His ability to remain healthy in the final weeks before the World Cup remains a primary focus for the Argentine squad and the U.S.-based club.
“Messi, who is 38 years old, was substituted in the 73rd minute”
The timing of this injury is critical because it occurs during the final stretch of preparation for the World Cup. While 'muscle fatigue' is often a manageable condition, the age of the player increases the risk of recovery delays. The precautionary substitution indicates that the club is prioritizing long-term health over immediate match results to ensure Messi is available for international competition.
