Argentina star Lionel Messi don cause serious worry for World Cup fans after e request to come off during Inter Miami match against Philadelphia Union on Sunday. Messi clutch the back of im left leg for the 70th minute after taking a free kick, and e ask for substitution. E leave the field for the 73rd minute, walking normally and heading straight to the locker room.
Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos say the replacement na just precaution because of wet pitch and fatigue. “As far as I know, we don’t have a report on that yet, but he really was fatigued. It was fatigue,” Hoyos tok after the game. “He was tired; the field was heavy, and rather than doubt, you always say not to take the risk.” Hoyos add say e never yarn with Messi after the match.
The injury scare overshadow Inter Miami 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union for Nu Stadium. The match set record for highest-scoring first half for MLS history, with eight goals before break. Philadelphia Union take early 2-0 lead through Milan Iloski, but Miami fight back with goals from German Berterame and Luis Suarez. Suarez score hat-trick, and Rodrigo De Paul add sixth goal for stoppage time.
Messi, wey be eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, don carefully manage im workload since e move to Miami for 2023, but e still dey suffer hamstring issues. The 2022 World Cup winner no formally confirm if e go play for Argentina for World Cup wey go start for 11 June, but people expect am to return for record-equalling sixth appearance. Argentina squad go be named next week, and dem go open Group J against Algeria on 16 June.
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