Lionel Messi gives Inter Miami an injury scare before Philadelphia Union Leagues Cup semifinal as he appears to hurt his left ankle in practice

Lionel Messi gave Inter Miami a scare during practice on Monday when he appeared to hurt his left ankle.

The World Cup winner was taking part in passing drills when he suddenly leapt in discomfort and hobbled on his left ankle, before holding it.

Nobody had been near the Miami star in what were worrying scenes on the day before their Leagues Cup semifinal against Philadelphia Union.

But Miami coach Tata Martino insisted there was nothing to be concerned about.

'If it was something serious, I’m sure everyone would have been shocked,' Martino said.

'I was only at a part of the session because I had a meeting afterwards and was finishing preparing, so I didn't see exactly what happened. Since everyone was fine, I imagine nothing happened.'

Messi was later pictured flying out with the team to Philadelphia ahead of Tuesday's game.

Martino said that Messi is relishing life in the United States, despite only being in the country for less than two months.

'You see it in the field; I don't have to tell you, but he's a lot calmer, much happier,' Martino said. 'Being happy also has to do with where he's been.'

The Argentina star has scored eight goals in his first five games for Miami so far in the United States and Tuesday's game is their chance to reach a final.

They face the Union at Subaru Park in what will be a stern test for the Miami team.

The Union are third in the Eastern Conference of the MLS and reached the final of last year's MLS Cup, losing on penalties to LAFC.

Miami are last in the Eastern Conference and 12 points adrift of the playoff places but have only played Leagues Cup since Messi joined the team alongside Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

The winner will take on Monterrey or Nashville, who meet in the other semifinal on