In the 70th minute, the two-time reigning MLS MVP could be seen grabbing at the upper section of his left thigh following a free kick. The Argentine legend requested a substitution, then headed to the locker room after Mateo Silvetti replaced him.

Messi, 28, who has a league-leading 20 goal contributions (12 goals, eight assists) in 14 matches this season, was able to get up and leave the field under his own power. In his fourth season with Inter Miami, Messi has 107 goal contributions (62 goals, 45 assists) in 67 games (59 starts).

Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos, while admitting he hadn't spoken with Messi after the match, wasn't particularly concerned about the departure.

"As far as I know, we don't have a report on that yet, but he really was fatigued. It was fatigue," Hoyos said after the match. "Yes, it was fatigue. He was tired, the field was heavy, and rather than doubt, you always say not to take the risk."

MLS began a six-week break after Sunday's matches with the FIFA World Cup set to begin June 11 and run through July 19.

Messi is expected to play for Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, though this year's squad has yet to be announced. Argentina's first match in Group J play is June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City. Argentina will prep for group stage play with friendlies against Honduras on June 6 at Texas A&M's Kyle Field and Iceland on June 9 at Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Messi has carefully managed his workload since joining Inter Miami in 2023, with team staff regularly excusing him from games during particularly congested fixture periods.

He has spent multiple stints on the sidelines in the past few years due to problems with his hamstring, which caused him to miss parts of Miami's pre-season campaign earlier this year.

Any significant injury to the eight-time Ballon D'Or winner, though, would deal a huge blow to Argentina's hopes of defending their World Cup crown in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The tournament kicks off in Mexico City on June 11, with Argentina due to play their opening game against Algeria in Kansas City five days later.

Inter Miami's game on Sunday was the last before MLS takes a break ahead of the World Cup.

Messi has not formally confirmed he plans to play in the World Cup, but is widely expected to return for what will be a record-equalling sixth appearance at the finals.

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