Lionel Messi injury scare as Inter Miami beats Philadelphia Union 6–4 in record MLS thriller
Messi exits early with possible hamstring issue as eight-goal first half sets MLS record; Inter Miami surges ahead before World Cup break
Miami: Lionel Messi exited ahead of the World Cup break earlier than expected, leaving Argentina to monitor a potential injury concern.
Messi — who is rarely substituted — left in the 73rd minute, well before Luis Suárez’s third goal of the night secured a 6–4 victory for defending MLS champions Inter Miami over the last-place Philadelphia Union on Sunday night.
Messi contributed two assists, while Germán Berterame scored twice during a record-setting first half for Inter Miami. However, Messi appeared to take himself out of play in the 71st minute, reaching toward his left hamstring at least once. He did not approach the Inter Miami bench when a substitution was possible.
He was replaced by Mateo Silvetti and immediately walked through the tunnel to the locker room. Messi appeared able to walk on his own, though slowly, and without assistance from team medical staff.
Rodrigo De Paul added a stoppage-time goal on his birthday to seal the win for Inter Miami.
Heavy rain began early in the second half, causing players to slip on the turf. It remains unclear whether Messi’s substitution was precautionary, and there were no obvious missteps during the worst of the weather.
Messi has previously stated he will only play in the World Cup if fully fit. Argentina begins group-stage play on June 16.
Philadelphia’s Milan Iloski recorded a first-half hat trick — including two penalty kicks — and Bruno Damiani also scored. The Union led 2–0 within the first 10 minutes, setting up a remarkable first half that ended tied 4–4.
The eight goals scored before halftime set an MLS record, according to league officials.
“It’s beautiful, it’s fun to be part of a game like this,” said Grammy-nominated singer Luis Fonsi, who performed the national anthem pregame. “To see Messi and all these greats so close is an honor. I’m a fan, and I’m enjoying every moment.”
When asked about sharing the stage with Messi, Fonsi joked: “He’s a lot more known than me — times a million.”
Messi has played in five World Cups, winning the Golden Ball award twice — in 2014 and again in 2022, when he led Argentina to the title.
Argentina is placed in Group J, with upcoming matches against Algeria (June 16 in Kansas City), Austria (June 22 in Arlington, Texas), and Jordan (June 27, also in Arlington).
If Argentina tops the group — as expected — Messi could return to South Florida for a Round of 32 match in Miami Gardens on July 3. The only other chance for him to play there would be in the third-place match on July 18.
All of that, however, depends on Messi’s fitness — now a growing concern.
Inter Miami (9-2-4, 31 points) heads into the break second in the Eastern Conference, just two points behind Nashville. They are also fourth in the Supporters’ Shield standings, a trophy Philadelphia won last season.
The Union, meanwhile, sit at the bottom of the league in a dramatic first-to-worst collapse, entering the break at 1-10-4 with just seven points.