Messi Raises Injury Concerns Ahead of World Cup

Lionel Messi, the captain of the Argentina national football team, sparked injury fears ahead of the World Cup during a Major League Soccer match where Inter Miami CF faced Philadelphia Union on Sunday. Messi was substituted in the 73rd minute, appearing to clutch his left leg, which raised concerns about a potential injury.

He walked off the pitch unaided and headed straight down the tunnel, leading to fears of a serious problem. However, Inter Miami's coach, Guillermo Hoyos, later clarified that the substitution was a precautionary measure rather than an indication of a serious injury.

He noted that the match conditions were heavy and that Messi, at 38 years old, is being carefully managed to avoid fatigue. Although there has been no formal confirmation, Messi is widely expected to be included in Argentina's squad for the upcoming World Cup, where he aims to make his record-equalling sixth appearance in football's biggest tournament.