Lionel Messi was at the centre of an injury scare just weeks before the start of the World Cup on Sunday after abruptly leaving Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer clash against the Philadelphia Union.

The Argentina superstar was substituted in the 73rd minute at a rain-soaked Nu Stadium in Miami after clutching the back of his left leg and asking to come off.

Messi, who is 38, appeared to be walking normally as he headed straight down the tunnel after exiting the game, which Miami went on to win 6-4.

Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said after the game it was too early to determine if Messi was injured, and suggested the Argentine’s substitution was precautionary because of the pitch conditions.

“As far as I know, we don’t have a [medical] report on that yet, but we will have one shortly,” Hoyos said after the game when asked for details of Messi’s condition. “He was genuinely suffering from fatigue in that regard – it is indeed fatigue.

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