Lionel Messi left the field clutching his hamstring midway through Inter Miami’s 6-4 win against Philadelphia Union on Sunday, sparking an injury scare for the superstar ahead of Argentina’s much-anticipated FIFA World Cup title defence.
The 38-year-old was substituted in the 73rd minute at the rain-soaked DRV PNK Stadium in Miami.
He was seen holding the back of his left leg as he walked off the pitch and opted to head straight to the dressing room rather than watch the remainder of the match from the sidelines.
Messi has been struggling with hamstring issues recently and had already missed parts of Inter Miami’s pre-season campaign earlier this year due to the same problem.
Messi headed straight down the tunnel after exiting the game, which Miami went on to win 6-4.
There was no immediate word from Inter Miami on the exact reason for Messi’s substitution.
Any significant injury to the five-time Ballon D’Or winner, though, would deal a huge blow to Messi and Argentina’s hopes of defending its World Cup crown in the United States, Canada and Mexico next month.
The tournament kicks off in Mexico City on June 11, with Argentina due to play its opening game against Algeria in Kansas City five days later.
Inter Miami’s game on Sunday was the last before MLS takes a break ahead of the World Cup.