A wild matchup between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union took a turn in the second half, with Miami captain Lionel Messi leaving the game early and immediately heading into the locker room.
Messi took a free kick and immediately grabbed at the back of his leg; he then asked for a sub, and exited the game in the 73rd minute. The severity of any potential injury is currently unclear, but it appears that Messi went back into the locker room for treatment.
Messi is headed straight to the locker room after getting subbed out in the 73rd minute pic.twitter.com/BIpKA4M3TW
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 25, 2026
The matchup between Inter Miami and Philadelphia started with one of the nuttiest first halves in MLS history, with the score tied at 4-4 heading into halftime. Shortly after Messi exited, Luis Suárez completed a hat trick with a go-ahead goal in the 81st minute.
Sunday is Inter Miami’s last game before MLS heads into the World Cup break. Messi is set to return as Argentina’s captain as the reigning champions attempt to defend its World Cup title.
This story will be updated.