
MIAMI: Panic and anguish were visible in the dugout as Lionel Messi walked off the field in the 73rd minute in the match against Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer. Messi felt discomfort in his left thigh and requested to be substituted immediately. The news raised eyebrows as the world is eagerly waiting to see one last dance from the little magician in this year's World Cup. It would be excruciatingly painful for many to see the wizard of Buenos Aires missing out on the world’s biggest football tournament.
Meanwhile, media sources reported that there is nothing to fear from Messi’s injury. It is believed that this is just a precaution taken by Messi, who understood that it would be dangerous to continue playing on the field following the heavy rain and the discomfort feeling persisting in his thigh.
Although Messi officially did not confirm his inclusion in the Argentine squad, it is more or less certain that it will be the former Barcelona great who will captain the team, maybe for one last time. If included in the squad for the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, Messi will join the historical record of participating in six World Cups. Argentina's final squad for the World Cup will be announced next week. Argentina's first match in the World Cup is against Algeria on June 16.