Concerns surrounding Lionel Messi’s fitness ahead of the World Cup have been eased following clarification from the Inter Miami camp, with head coach Guillermo Hoyos confirming that the Argentine forward did not suffer a serious injury during the match against Philadelphia Union.
In Major League Soccer, Inter Miami secured a 6–4 victory in a high-scoring encounter against Philadelphia Union. Messi was substituted in the second half after being seen holding the back of his leg, which immediately sparked concern among supporters, particularly given the proximity of upcoming international commitments.
Speaking after the match in a press conference, Hoyos emphasised that the situation was not indicative of a significant injury. He stated that no final medical report had yet been received, but indicated that Messi had been experiencing fatigue and a degree of physical exhaustion. On that basis, the coaching staff opted not to take any unnecessary risks and removed him from play as a precautionary measure.
Argentine journalist Gastón Edul also reported that Messi’s substitution was primarily precautionary. According to his account, the player was dealing with muscular fatigue, but there was no indication of a major injury. This aligned with the coaching staff’s assessment that the issue was related to workload rather than structural damage.
During the match, Messi contributed two assists, maintaining his influence in the attacking phase despite later being withdrawn. His long-time teammate Luis Suárez delivered a standout performance, scoring a hat-trick as Inter Miami recorded the 6–4 win.
The timing of the incident prompted widespread attention due to the limited period remaining before the World Cup. However, the statements from the club’s coaching staff have helped reduce immediate concern regarding Messi’s availability.
Match and Player Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Competition | Major League Soccer |
| Fixture | Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union |
| Result | Inter Miami 6–4 Philadelphia Union |
| Messi’s contribution | 2 assists |
| Reason for substitution | Fatigue and muscular exhaustion |
| Coach’s statement | No serious injury; precautionary decision |
| Luis Suárez performance | Hat-trick |
Overall, the available information from the club and associated reporting indicates that Messi’s substitution was a preventive measure linked to fatigue rather than a confirmed injury, with further assessment dependent on medical evaluation.