Messi appeared to struggle in the closing 20 minutes of Inter Miami's match against Columbus Crew. Once the game concluded, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner immediately headed down the tunnel, walking with a slight limp.

Miami coach Javier Mascherano claimed to be unaware of any Messi injury, but TV commentators thought different.

The Crew had an abundance of chances to overcome a one-goal deficit and avoid their first loss of the regular season against Inter Miami on April 19. Unable to connect on any of their 16 shot attempts,