Inter Miami star Lionel Messi was on target during Argentina's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying game win over Ecuador on Thursday, September 7, wherein he scored the lone goal of the game via a 77th-minute free kick to make the home fans in the 83,000 seater Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires elated.
However, an unusual sight occurred - manager Lionel Scaloni subbed off the World Cup winner in the 89th minute.
The 45-year-old tactician admitted that Messi asked for the substitution because "he felt something," sparking injury fears among Argentina and Inter Miami fans.
However, the 36-year-old all-time great clarified the situation, saying he was simply exhausted as he had just played a full match for his club, Inter Miami, on Sunday.
"I came out because I was a bit tired. It's probably not the last time that will happen [come out during the last minutes of the game]. It's all good, I'm fine," Messi said, to a sigh of relief for his millions of supporters.
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Hectic schedule for Inter Miami
It has been a hectic period for Lionel Messi and his former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba since they arrived at Inter Miami.
Since the group debuted for the club in July, the team has played almost twice per week, including five matches in a 15-day span in August.
Messi has played in all of them, as the club is looking to move up to the MLS standings to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Related Article: Lionel Messi Declares Bold Goal for Inter Miami After Beating MLS Champs Los Angeles FC
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