Lionel Messi left Inter Miami’s match early with a possible hamstring concern, but the defending MLS champions still secured a dramatic 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union on Sunday night.
Messi, who rarely comes off during matches, was substituted in the 73rd minute after appearing uncomfortable moments earlier. The Argentine forward reached towards his left hamstring during play and later walked slowly off the field before heading directly to the locker room without medical staff accompanying him.
No official diagnosis was immediately announced by Inter Miami CF, though concerns emerged ahead of Argentina’s upcoming World Cup campaign. Messi has previously dealt with hamstring problems during his time in Miami.
Before leaving the field, Messi contributed two assists in an entertaining contest that produced a Major League Soccer record eight first-half goals.
Luis Suárez scored a hat-trick for Inter Miami, including the decisive goal in the 81st minute, while Germán Berterame added two goals. Rodrigo De Paul sealed the victory with a stoppage-time goal on his birthday.
Philadelphia had raced into a 2-0 lead early in the match, with Milan Iloski scoring a first-half hat-trick, including two penalties. Bruno Damiani also found the net for the Union as the teams entered halftime level at 4-4.
Heavy rain during the second half appeared to affect conditions on the pitch, though it remained unclear whether Messi’s exit was precautionary or linked to a specific incident.
The win leaves Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference standings with 31 points, two behind Nashville.
Attention now shifts to Messi’s fitness ahead of the World Cup, where Argentina begins group-stage play on 16 June. Messi has previously stated he would only participate in the tournament if fully fit.
