Messi asks for a substitution and walks off, feeling his hamstring weeks ahead of Argentina’s World Cup title defence.When Lionel Messi requested a substitution in the 72nd minute of Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer (MLS) game against Philadelphia Union, football fans held their collective breath as speculation grew about the star forward’s participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup.The 38-year-old, who has missed only one game for his club during this ongoing MLS season, walked off the pitch in the 73rd minute as the defending champions completed a 6-4 win at home on Sunday.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listWith Argentina beginning their World Cup campaign in three weeks, Messi’s apparent fitness concern could deal a serious blow to the team’s World Cup title defence.Here’s what we know about Messi’s substitution and fitness so far:What happened to Messi during Miami vs Philadelphia?After providing two assists in the MLS champions’ last home fixture before the World Cup, Messi stood close to the sidelines at the halfway mark on the pitch in the final third of the game.He gestured to the Miami camp, asking to come off the pitch, while feeling the back of his left leg.During the wait for the fourth official to put up the substitutions board with his number 10 on it, Messi did not move around much and wore a concerned look.The club captain was replaced by Mateo Silvetti in the 73rd minute, and when he came off, Messi immediately left for the dressing room via the tunnel. Tunnel cameras showed him walking in without any su …
