Argentina forward left the pitch in the 73rd minute with a leg complaint during Miami's 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union before the World Cup.
3:46 PM
Lionel Messi exited Inter Miami's final Major League Soccer match before the World Cup on Sunday with an apparent injury to his leg.
Playing in what was billed as his last game before the tournament, Messi walked toward the sideline in the 73rd minute, signaled for a substitute, and immediately departed down the tunnel. He was observed grabbing at the back of his leg as he left the pitch. At that moment, Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union were tied 4-4.
Inter Miami ultimately won the match 6-4, the second-highest-scoring game in MLS history. Luis Suárez scored twice after Messi's departure, completing a hat trick in the 81st minute. Rodrigo De Paul, Messi's Argentina teammate, added a goal in the third minute of stoppage time to seal the victory.
The club did not provide an official medical diagnosis following the match. Interim manager remarks regarding the injury were not disclosed in available reports.
The victory consolidated Inter Miami's position in second place in the Eastern Conference standings. German Berterame was also noted as a key contributor to the team's performance during the match.
The injury comes at a sensitive moment, with the World Cup set to begin shortly. Messi had been competing in the MLS regular season leading up to the tournament. The medical assessment of his condition remains pending.
MLS play will resume following the conclusion of the World Cup.
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