What happened: Lionel Messi left his last MLS game before the World Cup with what was described as an apparent injury, according to a report from The Athletic. The nature and severity of the issue were not specified in the source signal. Messi was substituted out as a precaution or due to discomfort during the match.

Why it matters: Any injury to Messi carries outsized stakes given his role as the focal point of both his club and any World Cup campaign, and the timing — immediately before the tournament — magnifies the concern. This is the same Lionel Messi who recently reached his 900th career goal, so even a minor knock becomes a major storyline. The lack of confirmed details leaves club and national-team plans in question.

What to watch: Watch for an official club statement or medical update confirming the injury's nature and whether it threatens Messi's World Cup availability. Any imaging results or projected recovery window will be the key follow-up.