Argentina captain Lionel Messi has raised fresh concerns over his fitness after asking to be substituted during Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer match against Philadelphia Union on Sunday.

According to BBC Sport, the 38-year-old forward was taken off in the 73rd minute after appearing to clutch the back of his left leg during the wet-weather encounter in Miami.

Messi was able to walk off the pitch without assistance before heading straight down the tunnel, easing immediate fears of a serious injury.

Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos later said the substitution was a precautionary measure rather than a response to a confirmed injury.

“As far as I know, we don’t have a [medical] report on that yet, but he really was fatigued,” he said.

“He was tired; the pitch was heavy, and when in doubt, the standard approach is always to ensure you don’t take any risks.”

Messi, who has struggled with hamstring issues in recent years, has been carefully managed by Inter Miami since joining the club in 2023.

Although he has not officially confirmed participation in the upcoming World Cup, he is widely expected to feature for Argentina in what could be a record-equalling sixth appearance at the tournament.

Argentina is expected to monitor his condition closely ahead of squad selection as concerns over his fitness continue to grow.