Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos has clarified the circumstances surrounding Lionel Messi’s injury scare during the club’s MLS 2026 clash against Philadelphia Union on Monday (May 25), stating that the Argentine star was substituted due to fatigue rather than a serious physical problem.
Messi was withdrawn in the 73rd minute and replaced by Mateo Silvetti. The Argentina captain appeared to be holding his left thigh as he slowly walked toward the dressing room, prompting immediate concern among fans and media outlets.
Speaking after the match, Hoyos downplayed fears of a major injury and insisted the decision to remove Messi was purely precautionary.
“As far as I know, we have not received any further medical report. But he was clearly tired. This is due to fatigue,” Hoyos said, as quoted by ESPN.
The situation has drawn heightened attention due to the proximity of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to begin in less than a month. Messi remains an integral part of Argentina’s squad as they prepare to defend their world title.
Hoyos stressed that protecting the 38-year-old forward was the priority, especially given the physical demands of the match and playing conditions.
“Yes, it’s because of fatigue. He was exhausted due to the difficult pitch conditions. Rather than taking a risk, we decided not to push him further,” he explained.
Messi had already contributed significantly before his substitution, delivering two assists in Inter Miami’s high-intensity match against Philadelphia Union. However, his physical discomfort became visible late in the second half, leading to the decision to take him off.
Inter Miami staff reportedly monitored Messi closely during the match, and although initial visual assessments suggested mild discomfort, the club opted for caution to avoid aggravating any potential issue.
The World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, with Argentina placed in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Expectations remain high for Lionel Scaloni’s side as they aim to retain their world champion status.
Ahead of the tournament, Argentina are also scheduled to play two warm-up fixtures, facing Honduras on June 7 and Iceland on June 10. These matches are expected to be crucial in finalizing tactical preparations and squad cohesion.
Despite the scare, there is optimism within the Argentine camp that Messi will remain fully fit for the World Cup campaign. However, his recent physical concerns have inevitably raised questions about workload management at both club and international levels.
Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, continues to play a central role for both Inter Miami and Argentina, even as he approaches the final stage of his career. His fitness will be closely monitored in the coming weeks as the world waits for what could be his last World Cup appearance.
