Lionel Messi’s sudden exit during Inter Miami’s dramatic 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union has created fresh concern ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with fans now waiting for clarity on the Argentina captain’s fitness.
The MLS clash at Nu Stadium on Sunday was already turning into one of the wildest matches of the season before Messi became the center of attention late in the second half. The Inter Miami captain appeared uncomfortable moments after taking a free kick in the 73rd minute. He grabbed the upper part of his left leg, signaled toward the bench for a substitution, and walked directly into the locker room without staying on the sidelines.
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos later said the club did not yet have a medical report but insisted the decision was precautionary.
“He was fatigued. The field was heavy, and we didn’t want to take risks,” Hoyos told reporters after the game.
Even with that explanation, the timing of Messi’s exit immediately became a major talking point because this was Inter Miami’s final match before MLS pauses for the World Cup. Argentina are expected to name Messi in their final squad as they prepare to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022.
Inter Miami and Philadelphia Produce MLS Classic
Before Messi’s substitution overshadowed the night, the match itself delivered chaos from the opening minutes. Philadelphia Union raced into an early lead thanks to Milan Iloski, who eventually completed a first-half hat trick, including two penalties.
Inter Miami responded aggressively through Germán Berterame and Luis Suárez. Messi played a key role in Miami’s attack before leaving the field and helped create one of the goals during the comeback.
The first half ended 4-4, officially becoming the highest-scoring first half in MLS history. Heavy rain during the second half slowed the game temporarily, but Miami still found another push late in the match.
Minutes after Messi exited, Suárez completed his hat trick to give Miami the lead again before Rodrigo De Paul added another goal in stoppage time to secure the 6-4 victory. The 10-goal thriller tied one of the highest-scoring regular-season matches in league history.
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World Cup Fitness Now Main Concern
Messi rarely asks to be substituted, which is why the moment quickly spread across social media and search trends. Argentina are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign next month, and any possible injury involving Messi naturally raises concern.
According to ESPN’s postmatch report, Messi walked off under his own power and did not require assistance, which may be viewed as a positive early sign.
Swikblog recently covered another major Inter Miami performance here: Inter Miami 3–1 Vancouver: Messi Inspires MLS Cup Triumph with Two Assists.
For now, Inter Miami and Argentina supporters will wait for official medical updates, hoping the early substitution was simply fatigue and not a serious issue before the biggest tournament in football.
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