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Lionel Messi Substituted With Apparent Leg Injury Ahead of 2026 World Cup

From TVN Panamá · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

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  • Lionel Messi was substituted in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami's match against Philadelphia Union due to apparent discomfort in his left leg.
  • The star player, who had provided two assists in the game, signaled for a change and walked directly to the locker room, holding his left thigh.
  • This substitution raises concerns for Argentina just weeks before the start of the 2026 World Cup, which Messi's team was preparing for during this MLS match.

Lionel Messi sparked concern among Argentina's fans and the Inter Miami club after he requested a substitution during Sunday's Major League Soccer match against the Philadelphia Union. The Argentine superstar appeared to experience discomfort in his left leg, prompting his exit from the game in the 73rd minute.

Messi, who had contributed two assists to Inter Miami's eventual 6-4 victory, was seen holding his left thigh as he walked off the field. He proceeded directly to the locker room, bypassing the bench. This marks a significant moment as it was Messi's final MLS game before the league pauses for the upcoming North American World Cup, scheduled to begin on June 11.

The substitution immediately ignited alarms, given the proximity of the 2026 World Cup. Messi's fitness is paramount for Argentina's aspirations in the tournament. While the exact nature and severity of his injury remain unclear, his visible discomfort and immediate departure from the field have fueled speculation and worry.

Inter Miami's victory over Philadelphia Union was a high-scoring affair, but the focus quickly shifted from the team's performance to the condition of their captain. The club and the Argentine national team will be closely monitoring Messi's status in the coming days as they prepare for the global tournament.

About this summary

Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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