Calming the Storm
Following the internet-breaking sight of Lionel Messi clutching his hamstring and walking down the tunnel, Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos has stepped up to ease the global panic. Speaking to the press after Miami's wild 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union, Hoyos insisted the substitution was a safety measure rather than an emergency.
Protecting the Captain
Inter Miami was playing on a remarkably wet and heavy pitch in Florida following heavy rainfall, conditions that drastically increase the risk of muscular injuries for older players.
"As far as I know, we don't have a medical report on that yet, but he really was fatigued," Hoyos explained during his post-match press conference. "He was tired; the pitch was heavy, and when in doubt, the standard approach is always to ensure you don't take any risks."
Before his 73rd-minute exit, Messi was having a phenomenal game, logging two spectacular assists while his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez netted a hat trick.
What Happens Next?
Despite Hoyos's calming words, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is reportedly in direct contact with Miami's medical staff. Messi is expected to travel to the national team base camp shortly, where head coach Lionel Scaloni will have his own doctors evaluate the 38-year-old’s left leg before their June 16 opener against Algeria.