(Lionel Messi. Photo Credit: BBC)
Lionel Messi is at the center of injury worries just weeks before the FIFA World Cup, after Inter Miami confirmed on Monday that medical evaluations revealed muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.
The MLS club gave no specific timeframe for the Argentine star’s recovery, following his sudden withdrawal during Miami’s 6-4 win against Philadelphia on Sunday, where he came off in the 73rd minute.
The 38-year-old was seen grabbing the back of his left leg before requesting a substitution, though he appeared to walk without difficulty as he headed to the dressing room.
In an official statement, Inter Miami said that further tests pointed to an overload linked to muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, and that his return to physical activity would depend on how well he progresses both clinically and functionally.
The update leaves much uncertainty surrounding the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s availability as Argentina gears up to defend their World Cup title at the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which begins on June 11.
The defending champions are scheduled to open their campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16.
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi’s playing time has been carefully managed, with the club often resting him during busy fixture stretches. MLS has since entered its World Cup break.
While Messi has yet to officially confirm his participation in the tournament, he is broadly expected to feature in what would be a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance.
Argentina’s squad announcement is expected next week, with the team set to play pre-tournament friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9 on American soil.
