Monday, May 25, 2026, 10:47 a.m
1343 readings
Leo Messi PHOTO X Brfootball
In his last match for Inter Miami before the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi left the field prematurely. The Argentinian complained of pain in his left leg before coming off the game.
“La Pulga” asked to be substituted during Inter Miami’s MLS match against the Philadelphia Union on Sunday, less than three weeks before the World Cup. The 38-year-old Argentine star left the field in the 73rd minute after complaining of pain in his left leg.
In videos shared on social media, Messi appears to be walking normally towards the tunnel. The exact reason for his change, in his final North American league game before the World Cup, is currently unknown.
The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will begin on June 11 and run through July 19. Argentina, in Group J alongside Algeria, Jordan and Austria, will defend their title won in Qatar in 2022, starting on June 16.
An eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi once again stood out on Sunday before being substituted, providing two assists for German Berterame (13th minute, 42nd minute) in the spectacular 6-4 win.
If included in coach Lionel Scaloni’s final squad, Messi will be participating in his sixth World Cup.
The forward, who will turn 39 in a month, showed signs of discomfort as early as the 70th minute. He left the field after receiving treatment on the sidelines for his left leg and had a brief chat with his coach Guillermo Hoyos.
The moment Messi chose not to risk Argentina’s World Cup with Inter Miami tonight pic.twitter.com/9h0qmuMqgQ
— J. 🇵🇸 (@Messilizer0) May 25, 2026
