Joel Reyes

updated at August 15, 2023 at 10:34 AM

• Lionel Messi suffered a foot injury during Inter Miami's practice on Monday
• He appeared to roll his left foot one day before their match against Philadelphia Union
• Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino eased fans' concerns about Messi's condition

Will Lionel Messi play against the Philadelphia Union on Tuesday night?

That’s the question on everyone’s lips after the Inter Miami star appeared to injure his left foot during practice on Monday.

The incident couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Herons as it occurred one day before their Leagues Cup semifinal match in Chester, Pennsylvania.

The Argentine legend was participating in the team’s ball drills when his left foot appeared to roll while stretching to stop a ball. His right foot was planted when the injury happened.

The 36-year-old took several steps with a limp. Messi noticeably favored his left foot before rejoining his Inter Miami teammates during Monday’s training session, per USA Today.

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Martino isn't concerned about Messi

Reporters quizzed Gerardo Martino about Messi’s condition after practice, and he wasn’t concerned about his star player at all.

He told reporters in Spanish that he was only a part of the session because he had a meeting afterwards and was finishing preparations, so he didn’t see exactly what happened.

Martino added that everyone "would have been freaking out about it” if Messi’s injury had been something serious,

He eased fans’ concerns, saying: “Since everyone was fine, I imagine nothing happened.”

Martino talked to Messi after Monday’s training session, saying the former Barcelona star was “normal for now” when asked how he fared while finishing the team’s practice.

Inter Miami need red-hot Messi

Inter Miami can ill afford to lose Messi for Tuesday’s knockout match as he has been their best player during their winning run.

He has scored in each of his first five matches for Inter Miami since joining the club last month.

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He opened his account on his debut against Cruz Azul, scoring a free kick in the 94th minute to give Inter Miami a 2-1.

He then went on a goal spree, registering doubles in the games against Atlanta United, Orlando City, and FC Dallas.

He continued his hot start in the game against Charlotte FC, scoring a goal in the 86th minute to complete Inter Miami’s 4-0 rout.

Messi has now scored eight goals in his first five Leagues Cup matches, per NBC Sports.

Messi's Marvel-inspired celebrations

Sports Brief recently reported on Messi’s Marvel-themed celebrations.

He first channelled Thor after scoring a brace against Atlanta United.

Messi then unveiled his Black Panther celebration in the win against Orlando City, doing the Wakanda Forever pose after scoring a goal.

The football icon then channelled Spider-Man after scoring a late goal against Charlotte FC.