Lionel Messi left the field injured during Inter Miami's final Major League Soccer match before the 2026 World Cup on Monday in Miami.
The 38-year-old forward was substituted in the 73rd minute of Miami's 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union at Chase Stadium. Messi had provided two assists in a high-scoring first half that ended 4-4, before signaling discomfort in his left leg and walking off.
The incident occurred in wet conditions. In the 69th minute, Messi made a run toward the penalty area but stopped short, then touched the back of his left thigh. He walked to the sideline while play continued, spoke briefly with Inter Miami staff, and was replaced four minutes later by Mateo Silvetti.
Messi went directly to the locker room. After the match, interim manager Guillermo Hoyos said he had not spoken to Messi and had no medical report, describing the decision as precautionary due to fatigue and a heavy pitch.
The match was Inter Miami's last before the league pauses for the World Cup, which begins next month in North America. Messi is expected to report to Argentina's national team in the coming days.
Argentina has friendlies scheduled against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9, before opening its title defense against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City.