Lionel Messi. Image via: Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images
New Delhi: Lionel Messi caused fans to panic ahead of the FIFA World Cup finals after he appeared to hurt his left hamstring during Inter Miami’s thrilling 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union in the MLS.
Messi, who is rarely substituted, came off in the 73rd minute after apparently feeling uncomfortable and immediately headed to the dressing room alone.Before the exit, Messi had already made a big impact with two assists, while Luis Suarez scored a hat-trick to help Inter Miami complete the comeback victory. Philadelphia took an early 2-0 lead, but the game turned into a goal fest with an MLS record eight goals scored in the first half alone.
The timing of Messi’s injury caused concern among Argentine fans because the World Cup will begin soon, as Argentina will play its first match in the group stage on June 16. Messi previously said that he would not participate in the tournament unless he was fully fit.Heavy rain during the second half made conditions slippery, although it remains unclear whether Messi’s substitution was merely precautionary or due to a serious problem. He was seen walking slowly but without the assistance of medical staff.
Despite concerns about Messi, Inter Miami finished the first half of the MLS season strong and now sits in second place in the Eastern Conference standings. Rodrigo De Paul scored late on to seal the win, while Germain Berteram also scored twice.Singer Luis Fonsi, who sang before the match, spoke about seeing Messi up close.“It’s beautiful, it’s fun to be part of the game, it’s fun to sing the national anthem and obviously seeing Messi and all these greats so close to me, it’s a great honor,” Fonsi said.“He’s a million times more known than me,” he joked.
