Lionel Messi exits last MLS game before World Cup with apparent injury
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Argentina forward Lionel Messi left Inter Miami’s final MLS game before the World Cup in the 73rd minute due to an apparent leg injury, though no official diagnosis has been provided.
- Interim manager Guillermo Hoyos downplayed the injury’s severity, and Messi is expected to join Argentina’s World Cup preparations pending his fitness.
- This marks the second consecutive World Cup where Messi has faced an injury scare, having dealt with an inflamed Achilles in 2022 but still playing every minute of Argentina’s matches in Qatar.
- Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, will play in a group with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, with their first match scheduled for June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City.
- Messi, 38, remains a key player for Argentina and Inter Miami, holding back-to-back MLS MVP titles and demonstrating strong form with 13 goals and seven assists in 16 matches this year.