Football fans around the world were left worried after Lionel Messi was substituted during Inter Miami CF’s final club match before the FIFA World Cup break. However, Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos has eased concerns, saying the substitution was only a precaution due to muscular fatigue.
Messi was taken off in the 73rd minute during Inter Miami’s thrilling 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union. The Argentine superstar appeared uncomfortable after taking one of his trademark free kicks and was seen holding the back of his thigh, sparking immediate injury fears among supporters.
Inter Miami Coach Explains Messi Substitution
Speaking after the match, coach Guillermo Hoyos clarified that Messi was simply feeling tired after playing on a difficult surface following heavy rain.
“He was suffering from fatigue. The pitch was heavy, and we didn’t want to take any risks,” Hoyos told reporters after the game.
The coach also confirmed that no official medical report had been released immediately after the match, but initial signs suggested it was not a serious injury.
Messi Leaves The Pitch Early Amid Rainy Conditions
Heavy rainfall during the second half made the playing surface slippery, with several players struggling for balance throughout the game. Messi looked uncomfortable at times and was seen touching his left hamstring before eventually being substituted.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was replaced by Mateo Silvetti and walked directly through the tunnel toward the dressing room. Although he appeared to walk slowly, Messi was moving without assistance from medical staff, offering some relief to fans.
Lionel Messi Still Key For Argentina’s World Cup Plans
Messi remains the biggest figure in Argentina’s squad ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The defending champions begin their campaign against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had already included Messi in his preliminary 55-man squad announced earlier this month. The final squad must be reduced to 26 players before FIFA’s official deadline on June 1.
The legendary forward played a crucial role in Argentina’s historic World Cup triumph in Qatar four years ago, helping the nation lift its third world title.
MLS Break Begins Before FIFA World Cup 2026
Major League Soccer will now pause for the FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Before the break, Messi once again showed his quality for Inter Miami by providing two assists in the high-scoring win over Philadelphia Union, while Germán Berterame scored twice in a dominant attacking display.
For now, Inter Miami and Argentina fans will hope the substitution was simply a precaution and that Messi remains fully fit ahead of another major international tournament.
