Inter Miami confirm Messi substituted for muscle fatigue ahead of World Cup
The Argentine star was withdrawn from Sunday’s victory over Philadelphia Union, with Inter Miami citing heavy pitch conditions and a need to manage workload before the international break.
Inter Miami has confirmed that Lionel Messi was substituted during their 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Sunday due to muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. The club released a statement on Monday clarifying that medical tests identified the issue as an overload associated with fatigue rather than a serious structural injury.
The 38-year-old was withdrawn in the 73rd minute after clutching his leg following a free-kick. Prior to the substitution, Messi had set up two of Inter Miami’s four first-half goals. Although he walked directly down the tunnel, observers noted he appeared to be moving normally after leaving the pitch.
Coach Guillermo Hoyos described the decision as a precautionary measure taken in light of heavy pitch conditions. "He really was fatigued," Hoyos stated. "He was tired; the pitch was heavy and when in doubt, the standard approach is always to ensure you don't take any risks." The incident occurred in Inter Miami’s final match before the World Cup break.
Inter Miami’s statement indicated that the timeline for Messi’s return to physical activity remains undetermined and will depend on his ongoing clinical and functional progress. The club has previously managed the player’s workload carefully since his arrival in 2023, though he has experienced previous spells out of action due to hamstring issues.
Messi is widely expected to feature for Argentina in the upcoming World Cup, which begins on 11 June and is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Argentina’s final squad is due to be named next week, with their opening match against Algeria scheduled for 16 June. Messi has not formally confirmed his participation, but he is anticipated to make a record-equalling sixth appearance at the tournament.
This season, Messi has recorded 12 goals and eight assists in 14 MLS games, placing him one behind the league leader in each category. In the 2025 regular season, he scored 29 goals and provided 19 assists in 28 games.
