May 25, 2026 | 05:22 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Argentina national team captain Lionel Messi was injured ahead of the 2026 World Cup. This led to his withdrawal from the MLS match between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union in Miami, United States, on Monday morning, Indonesian time.Quoted from the MLS page, as quoted by ANTARA, in that match, Messi left the field in the 73rd minute to be replaced by Mateo Silvetti.Many parties, especially the Argentinian public, are concerned about the condition of the footballer who led his country to victory in the 2022 World Cup. Argentina has yet to announce its official squad for the 2026 World Cup, but its first match will be on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas, USA.In the latest edition of the quadrennial football tournament, Argentina is in Group J with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.Regarding Messi's situation, Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said his player only suffered a minor injury, muscle fatigue. Hoyos added that he replaced Messi to avoid greater risks.Messi himself put in a strong performance for Inter Miami against Philadelphia Union. The player, who has appeared in five World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022), provided an assist to lead Inter Miami to a 6-4 victory.Messi assisted Inter Miami's first goal by German Berterame. He scored two goals in the match (13', 42'). Inter Miami's other four goals came from Luis Suarez (29', 44', 81') and Rodrigo De Paul (90+3').Meanwhile, Philadelphia reduced the deficit through Milan Iloski (4', penalty 10', penalty 45+8') and Bruni Damiani (20').Read: Historic Estadio Azteca to Stage Opening Match of 2026 World CupClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
