Messi Injury Scare Overshadows Inter Miami Thriller Before World Cup

Lionel Messi limped off with a thigh issue during Inter Miami’s chaotic 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union
Luis Suárez scored a hat trick as Miami recovered from 3-1 down in the highest-scoring first half in MLS history
Argentina now face an anxious wait ahead of the World Cup with Messi expected to lead the defending champions

Lionel Messi sparked concern ahead of the World Cup after leaving Inter Miami’s wild 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union clutching his left thigh on Sunday night.

The 38-year-old was substituted in the 73rd minute at Nu Stadium after appearing uncomfortable moments earlier following a free kick. Messi grabbed the upper part of his left thigh before asking to come off and walking straight down the tunnel without assistance.

Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos attempted to calm fears after the match, insisting the issue was linked to fatigue rather than a serious injury.

“As far as I know, we don’t have a report on that yet, but he really was fatigued,” Hoyos said. “Yes, it was fatigue. He was tired, the field was heavy, and rather than doubt, you always say not to take the risk.”

The sight of Messi heading off overshadowed one of the most chaotic MLS matches in recent memory, with Miami eventually prevailing after a staggering first half that ended 4-4 — the highest-scoring opening 45 minutes in league history.

Philadelphia stormed into an early two-goal lead through Milan Iloski, who struck from open play before converting a penalty. Miami responded when Germán Berterame finished Messi’s cross into an empty net, but Bruno Damiani restored the Union’s cushion after pouncing on a rebound from Dayne St. Clair.

Miami then exploded into life.

Luis Suárez pulled one back before Berterame grabbed his second and Suárez added another to suddenly put the hosts 4-3 ahead. But there was still time for more drama before the break as Sergio Reguilón conceded a VAR-reviewed penalty that allowed Iloski to complete his hat trick and level the game again.

A torrential downpour slowed the pace after halftime, although the chaos resumed late on.

Shortly after Messi departed, Suárez completed his own hat trick following an unselfish assist from Berterame to make it 5-4. Rodrigo De Paul then wrapped up the scoring for Miami in a game that tied the second-highest scoring regular-season match in MLS history.

The result leaves Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference heading into the World Cup break, two points behind leaders Nashville.

But attention now shifts firmly to Messi’s condition.

Argentina have yet to officially announce their World Cup squad, though Messi is fully expected to captain the defending champions in what is likely to be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.

They begin their Group J campaign against Algeria on June 16, and after a night of goals, rain and madness in Miami, the fitness of their greatest player suddenly feels like the biggest story of all.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.