Inter Miami reported on Monday (25) that Argentine star Lionel Messi suffered an “overload associated with muscle fatigue” in his left hamstring, an injury that forced him to abandon Sunday’s (24) MLS (Major League Soccer) match and which raises alarms in the Argentine national team on the eve of the 2026 World Cup.
Less than three weeks before the 2026 World Cup, in which Argentina will defend the title won in Qatar four years ago, Messi raised concerns when he asked for a substitution during Inter Miami’s match against the Philadelphia Union after feeling discomfort in his left leg.
Regarding the incident, the club stated that “the captain of Inter Miami had to leave the field (…) due to physical discomfort”, adding that he underwent additional medical examinations that indicated the diagnosis.
Inter Miami informed that “the deadlines for his return to physical activity will be subject to his clinical and functional evolution.”
Messi, who usually plays full games, left Inter’s pitch walking in the 73rd minute and went directly to the dressing room after putting his hand on the back of his left thigh.
The Argentine star was playing his last MLS match before the break for the North American World Cup, which starts on June 11th and ends on July 19th.
Argentina debuts in the tournament on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City, in Group J, which also includes Jordan and Austria.
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos had downplayed the superstar’s problem and classified it as “fatigue”.
Follow-up
On Monday, all attention was focused on the health of Messi, who could become the first player in history to play in six World Cups at the North American World Cup, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, if the latter is also called up by coach Javier Aguirre.
The 38-year-old eight-time Ballon d’Or winner — turning 39 on June 25 — left the match at the Nu Stadium after receiving fieldside treatment on his left leg and after a brief conversation with the Hoyos.
The first images of Messi’s discomfort were evident in the 70th minute. Then, three minutes passed in which, in the rain, he walked across the field until he made the decision to leave the game.
The reaction in the stadium was one of utter dismay at what an injury could mean for Messi just days before the start of the 2026 World Cup, likely his last major international football tournament.
