FORT LAUDERDALE — Lionel Messi exited Inter Miami’s 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute with an apparent injury, raising alarm just over three weeks before Argentina opens World Cup play against Algeria on June 16.
Messi signaled to the bench before being replaced by Mateo Silvetti at rain-soaked Nu Stadium. The Argentine superstar immediately went down the tunnel after leaving the pitch. Head coach Javier Hoyos did not have a formal update after the match but cautioned against worries of a serious injury.
The timing could hardly be worse for the defending World Cup champions. Argentina, three-time World Cup winners, are scheduled to face Algeria on June 16, Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27 in Group J of the expanded 48-team tournament. The top two teams per group advance to the knockout rounds, along with the top eight third-place finishers.
Messi, who holds a program-best 116 goals in 198 caps for Argentina, led the nation to the trophy at Qatar 2022 in an epic penalty-shootout victory over France. He has been in extraordinary form for the reigning MLS Cup champions this season, posting a league-best 20 goal contributions — 12 goals and 8 assists — in 14 matches.
Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria is set for June 16, giving Messi roughly three weeks to recover from whatever ailment forced his early departure.