Lionel Messi Suffers Hamstring Scare Ahead of FIFA World Cup

Lionel Messi. Image via: Leonardo Fernandez/ Getty Images

NEW DELHI: Lionel Messi gave fans a scare ahead of the FIFA World Cup after appearing to hurt his left hamstring during Inter Miami’s thrilling 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union in MLS. Messi, who rarely gets substituted, walked off in the 73rd minute after seemingly feeling discomfort and immediately headed to the dressing room on his own. Before going off, Messi had already made a big impact with two assists, while Luis Suárez scored a hat-trick to help Inter Miami complete the comeback victory. Philadelphia had taken an early 2-0 lead, but the match turned into a goal fest with an MLS-record eight goals scored in the first half alone. The timing of Messi’s injury scare has worried Argentina fans because the World Cup begins soon, with Argentina playing their first group-stage match on June 16. Messi has previously said he would only play in the tournament if fully fit. Heavy rain during the second half made conditions slippery, although it remains unclear whether Messi’s substitution was just precautionary or due to a serious problem. He was seen walking slowly but without medical staff assistance. Despite concerns over Messi, Inter Miami finished the first half of the MLS season strongly and now sits second in the Eastern Conference standings. Rodrigo De Paul scored late to seal the win, while Germán Berterame also netted twice. Singer Luis Fonsi, who performed before the match, spoke about seeing Messi up close. "It's beautiful, it's fun to be a part of the game, it’s fun to sing a national anthem and obviously to see Messi and all these greats so close to me, it’s an honor," Fonsi said. “He’s a lot more known than me — times a million," he joked.