Argentina captain Lionel Messi has sparked injury concerns just weeks before the FIFA World Cup after Inter Miami confirmed that medical tests revealed muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.
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In a statement issued on Monday, the Major League Soccer club said the Argentine superstar underwent further medical examinations after leaving the field during Inter Miami’s dramatic 6-4 win over Philadelphia on Sunday.
The 38-year-old football icon was seen grabbing the back of his left leg in the 73rd minute before requesting to be substituted. Despite the scare, Messi appeared to be walking normally as he headed to the locker room.
“After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” Inter Miami said in the statement.
The club added that the timeline for Messi’s return would depend on his “clinical and functional progress,” without providing a clear recovery schedule.
The injury concern comes at a crucial time as Argentina prepares to defend its FIFA World Cup title in the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, beginning on June 11. Argentina will open its campaign against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City.
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has carefully managed his workload, with the club often resting him during congested fixture schedules. Although Messi has not officially confirmed his participation in the upcoming World Cup, he is widely expected to feature in what could become a record-equaling sixth World Cup appearance.
