Messi Suspected of Left Thigh Injury Before World Cup; Argentina's Title Defense at Risk

With only weeks until the World Cup, Argentine legend Lionel Messi is suspected of suffering a left thigh injury. Currently playing for Inter Miami in the MLS, Messi requested to be substituted in the 73rd minute during a home match against the Philadelphia Union tonight. According to Reuters, Messi was seen holding the back of his left thigh after taking a free kick around the 70th minute. He subsequently requested a substitution and headed directly to the locker room after being replaced by teammate Mateo Silvetti. Inter Miami eventually defeated the Philadelphia Union 6-4. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos admitted after the match that he had not yet spoken with Messi but was not particularly worried about his early exit. Hoyos explained, 'We haven't received a medical report yet, but the main reason for his early exit was fatigue, and the rain made the pitch heavy, so we shouldn't risk letting him continue.' AFP noted that if Messi's injury is serious, it would deal a major blow to the defending champions' hopes of repeating their success at the World Cup. The MLS schedule will enter a six-week break after today's matches, during which the FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19. Although Argentina has not yet announced its official roster, it is widely expected that Messi will lead the team. Argentina is in Group J and will face Algeria in Kansas City on June 16 for their opening match.