Getty
Tom Hindle
May 25, 2026 08:11 +06:00
Lionel Messi suffers apparent leg injury in Inter Miami win before World Cup
L. Messi | Inter Miami CF | Major League Soccer | Transfers
Lionel Messi exited Inter Miami's MLS match against the Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute of the Herons' 6-4 win after grabbing the back of his leg while walking down the tunnel. The Argentina captain appeared to signal for a substitution moments earlier and was replaced by Mateo Silvetti with 20 minutes remaining. Argentina's World Cup camp begins June 1.
Getty Images Sport
An injury worry for Messi
Messi appeared to signal for a substitution midway through the second half of Miami's match against the Union and walked away from the play for several minutes before exiting the game. The Argentina and Miami captain went straight down the tunnel and was seen grabbing the back of his leg as he walked off.
Getty
Big concerns for Argentina
The extent of the injury is not yet known, but it could be a massive blow for Argentina, who begin their World Cup preparations June 1. They play two pre-tournament friendlies June 6 and June 9 before opening group play June 16. Messi, despite his age, remains one of the best players in the world and captains Lionel Scaloni's side. This is expected to be his final World Cup.
Getty Images Sport
A big win for Miami
The match around him, meanwhile, was one of the most memorable in MLS history. The Herons won 6-4 after falling behind 2-0 inside the opening 10 minutes. Longtime teammate Luis Suarez scored three goals, while Mateo Silvetti, who replaced Messi, provided a crucial assist and helped start another scoring move as Miami closed out a chaotic victory in their final match before the World Cup. They do not play again until mid-July.
ENJOYED THIS STORY? Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty
Relatively injury free for Miami
Messi has remained relatively injury-free during his stint with Miami. After dealing with calf issues and an ankle sprain in 2024, the Argentine spent nearly all of 2025 healthy. He started 33 MLS matches and played nearly every available minute in 2025. Messi had played all 90 minutes in each of Miami’s 13 MLS matches this season.