Lionel Messi gave Argentina an injury scare Sunday during Inter Miami’s 6-4 comeback win over the Philadelphia Union.
Messi recorded two assists in the victory before signaling to the bench late in the match and asking to be substituted. The 38-year-old appeared to point toward his hamstring as he walked carefully to the sideline in the 72nd minute, creating immediate concern with the FIFA World Cup now just 17 days away.
Messi has been in top form this season, with 12 goals and seven assists in 14 MLS appearances as Miami sits second in the Eastern Conference standings behind Nashville SC.
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
After the win against Philadelphia, Argentine journalist Gastón Edul revealed the reason for Messi’s substitution. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner reportedly experienced hamstring tightness during the closing stages of the game but did not suffer a muscle injury.
The substitution was described as precautionary, with Messi choosing not to risk further strain ahead of Argentina’s World Cup campaign.
On Monday, DS Sports Radio’s Doble Amarilla provided a more encouraging update: initial examinations showed no injury and no structural damage to his muscle. Messi’s availability for Argentina’s upcoming pre-World Cup friendlies is also not expected to be affected.
The latest development significantly reduces concerns around his fitness ahead of the tournament, where he is expected to lead Argentina’s title defense.
Inter Miami has not issued an official statement as of this writing, with interim manager Guillermo Hoyos downplaying the substitution as “fatigue” (h/t José Armando of Deporte Total USA).
Argentina Opens 2026 FIFA World Cup Against Algeria
Argentina enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as defending champions after winning the tournament in Qatar in 2022. Messi remains the centerpiece of the squad as Argentina attempts to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cups.
Last season, Messi scored 29 league goals and finished with 43 goals across all competitions for Inter Miami. He has continued producing at an elite level despite approaching his 39th birthday.
Argentina begins its World Cup campaign on Tuesday, June 16, against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Austria and Jordan round out Group J.
With the tournament approaching quickly, Argentina’s primary focus will be ensuring Messi enters the competition fully healthy.
