Lionel Messi avoids serious injury ahead of World Cup
Argentina star forward Lionel Messi has avoided a serious injury after being substituted in an MLS match due to fatigue.
Argentina can breathe a sigh of relief as captain Lionel Messi has avoided a serious injury just three weeks before the start of the World Cup. Earlier reports had suggested the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner would require a ten-day recovery period.
During Inter Miami's 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union, Messi requested to be substituted in the 73rd minute. The forward was seen clutching his left thigh as he walked off the pitch, sparking immediate concerns regarding his fitness for the national team.
He was exhausted. The pitch was heavy, and rather than risk further fatigue, we chose to substitute him. Guillermo Hoyos
Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos played down the incident, explaining that the decision to remove the 38-year-old was merely a precaution. Argentina has yet to announce its final squad for the tournament, and Messi has not officially confirmed whether he will participate in what would be a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance.