Messi Injury Update: Argentina Captain Gets Injured Ahead Of FIFA World Cup

Argentina captain Lionel Messi gave supporters a scare when Messi left Inter Miami's Major League Soccer match against the Philadelphia Union with apparent discomfort in the left leg, only weeks before the World Cup begins, although early signs suggested caution rather than clear injury.

Messi asked to be replaced in the 73rd minute at a rain-soaked Nu Stadium in Miami, appearing to hold the back of the left leg before walking off unaided and heading directly down the tunnel, while Inter Miami later completed a 6-4 victory without further incident.

Messi injury fears and World Cup impact

Any serious setback for the eight-time Ballon D'Or winner would be a major concern for Argentina, which aims to defend the World Cup title in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the opening match in Mexico City scheduled for June 11.

Argentina is due to begin its campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16, and Messi is widely expected to feature at the tournament for a record-equalling sixth time, even though Messi has not yet given an official public confirmation about appearing at the finals.

Inter Miami coach on Messi injury and fatigue

Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos explained after the match that staff had not yet received detailed medical information on Messi but implied the change was mainly precautionary, particularly because of the heavy surface caused by persistent rain during the game.

"As far as I know, we don't have a (medical) report on that yet, but we will have one shortly," Hoyos said, when asked about Messi's condition, stressing that the decision came quickly after discussions between the player and the technical team.

"He was genuinely suffering from fatigue in that regard -- it is indeed fatigue. "He was tired; the pitch was heavy and when in doubt, the standard approach is always to ensure you don't take any risks."

Messi injury history, workload and World Cup schedule

Messi has carefully managed playing minutes since joining Inter Miami in 2023, with coaches often resting Messi during busy stretches of fixtures, a strategy influenced by several recent hamstring problems which also forced Messi to sit out parts of Miami's pre-season programme earlier this year.

Inter Miami's meeting with the Philadelphia Union was the club's final match before Major League Soccer pauses for the World Cup, and Argentina's squad list is expected next week, before the South American side travels to the United States for warm-up matches against Honduras in Texas on June 6 and Iceland on June 9.