Lionel Messi left his fans in fear after getting an injury during his final club appearance before the FIFA World Cup. The captain was seen leaving the pitch clutching his left hamstring.
Soon after, Inter Miami shared an update confirming the detection of no major damage to the icon. Though the club did not clarify any healing time, Argentina will be closely monitoring Messi’s recovery before the major event.
Messi’s injury concerns ahead of the World Cup
The 38-year-old Argentine star left the MLS after a victory of 6-4 against the Philadelphia Union. He left the field clutching the back of his thigh after a free kick.
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According to Hindustan Times report, Inter Miami stated, “Inter Miami CF’s captain had to leave the field yesterday, Sunday, May 24, during the match against Philadelphia Union, due to physical discomfort. After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.”
“The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress,” it further added. Whereas the Inter Miami coach, Guillermo Hoyos, dismissed the concerns about Messi’s demand to surface and general fatigue.
The entire galaxy is holding its breath. LEO MESSI IS INJURED with Argentina’s first group stage game vs Algeria on June 16th. pic.twitter.com/OMQ70K2WMq
— Barça Touchline (@BarcaTouchline) May 25, 2026
In the meantime, the MLS will now break for the World Cup, which is set to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
The matches left in the league will continue after the major event, as FIFA occupies the stadiums for international matches.
Scaloni selects Lionel Messi in the provisional Argentina squad
With the questions regarding Messi’s confirmation for this World Cup appearance, the Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni’s provisional 55-man squad has strengthened expectations among the fans.
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Messi is widely expected to appear and captain Argentina once again as they prepare to defend their title in 2026. It will be the legendary forward’s sixth World Cup appearance for his country if he is selected in the playing XI line-up.
With the concern of Messi’s recovery, Argentina’s squad is set to be announced next week, and the team will fly off to the US for pre-World Cup friendlies against Honduras and Iceland on June 6 and June 9, respectively.
