The MLS showdown between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union turned into a spectacular offensive exchange, finishing 6-4 and ranking among the league’s most prolific contests.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring with a free-kick, but after grabbing his leg he was substituted in the 73rd minute, raising immediate concerns about his fitness.
Inter Miami’s head coach Guillermo Hoyos later explained that the team chose to preserve the star rather than gamble on a potential injury, a decision that kept the match alive for both sides.
Implications for Argentina’s World Cup Campaign
Although the exact severity of Messi’s issue remains uncertain, the forward is slated to captain Argentina in the upcoming World Cup, adding pressure on the coaching staff to manage his workload.
The episode also highlights the growing intensity of MLS matches, where high-scoring affairs are becoming more frequent, drawing attention from global audiences and media outlets such as The Athletic.
Fans and analysts alike will watch closely how the injury is treated, as Messi’s presence could be decisive for Argentina’s prospects on the world stage.