Lionel Messi Injured Ahead of World Cup

Lionel Messi limped out of Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer match against Philadelphia Union on Sunday just weeks before the start of the World Cup.

Argentina superstar Messi was substituted in the 73rd minute after clutching the back of his left leg and requesting to come off.

The 38-year-old icon headed straight down the tunnel with the apparent leg injury after exiting the game, which Miami won 6-4.

There was no immediate word on the exact reason for his substitution.

Argentina have not yet named a World Cup squad yet, but Messi was fully expected to be picked by the defending champions, who open their tournament against Group J opponents Algeria in Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium on June 16.