⚠️ Messi taken off with possible injury in MLS tennis-score thriller | OneFootball

Inter Miami’s 6-4 win — a “tennis score” — over the Philadelphia Union this Sunday (24) ended up taking a back seat. 

Messi asked to be substituted late in the match and went straight to the locker room.  

Setting off alarm bells in Argentina ahead of the World Cup. 

There were EIGHT GOALS in the first half alone of the match played at Nu Stadium.

The highest number ever scored in the opening half of an MLS game.

And after the 4-4 tie at halftime, Suárez (responsible for the game’s second hat-trick) and De Paul secured the Florida franchise’s victory. 

MADNESS in the 1st Half 🤯

Milan Iloski was the star for the Philadelphia Union with a hat-trick before halftime.

He scored in the 3rd, 10th, and 53rd minutes. Damiani got the other one (20').

The Florida franchise, meanwhile, had two scorers: Berterame (13' and 41') and Luisito (29' and 44').

Special mention goes to the Pistolero’s first goal:

Messi in focus and another hat-trick

After providing two assists up to that point, the No. 10 began to worry an entire country and his other fans.

After taking a free kick in the 67th minute, he stayed on the field for five more minutes before leaving the pitch with pain in the back of his thigh. 

He did not even stay on the bench. He went straight to the locker room. 

He had already been just walking around before no longer being able to continue.

Argentina’s World Cup opener is 23 days away — the tournament will begin on the 18th.

According to journalist Gastón Edul, the star asked to come off only as a precaution.

The two teams did not repeat the first-half insanity, as only two goals were scored after the break.

Suárez completed his hat-trick in the 81st minute. 

And De Paul wrapped up the scoring in the 93rd minute.

Watch all the goals below:

📸 Megan Briggs - 2026 Getty Images