Lionel Messi Injury Scare Clouds Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Preparations After Inter Miami Win

Lionel Messi’s fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been called into question after the Argentine captain was forced off during Inter Miami’s 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union at Nu Stadium in Miami on Sunday night.

The 38-year-old was visibly uncomfortable late in the contest, clutching the back of his left leg before gesturing to the bench to be withdrawn. Messi departed in the 73rd minute and went directly down the tunnel, a sight that will have alarmed both Inter Miami and Argentina’s coaching staff with the tournament now weeks away.

Some reassurance emerged shortly after, however, as Messi was observed walking without any obvious difficulty once he left the field — a sign that the problem may not be severe.

Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos addressed the situation in his post-match press conference, indicating the club had not yet received a formal medical assessment. He pointed to fatigue and poor pitch conditions — the surface had been affected by rain — as potential contributing factors. “As far as I know, we don’t have a medical report on that yet, but we will have one shortly. He was genuinely suffering from fatigue. The pitch was heavy because of the rain, and when there is any doubt, the safest thing is not to take risks,” Hoyos told reporters.

Messi’s club teammate Mateo Silvetti echoed that sense of uncertainty, noting that those on the pitch at the time were focused on the game rather than monitoring the substitution closely. “At that moment, everyone was focused on the game. We’re all hoping it’s nothing serious,” Silvetti said.

The incident arrives at a particularly sensitive moment for the reigning world champions. Argentina, who claimed the FIFA World Cup title in Qatar in 2022, are preparing to defend that crown at the 2026 edition — co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Messi, who turns 39 in June, has widely been expected to feature prominently in what could be his final World Cup appearance.

According to reports, Argentina are set to confirm their final World Cup squad next week before travelling to the United States for pre-tournament friendlies against Honduras and Iceland. The Albiceleste open their group stage campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16.

Messi has had a history of muscular issues throughout his career, including an adductor injury sustained during the 2024 Copa América that forced him off in the final against Colombia, though he still lifted the trophy. His participation in the early stages of that tournament had also been hampered by an ankle problem. Any recurrence of muscular trouble at this stage of the season — with the World Cup imminent — would represent a significant concern for Argentina’s title defence.

Inter Miami’s MLS campaign continues to be a key fitness barometer for the Argentina camp, and the club’s medical team is expected to provide a clearer picture of Messi’s condition in the coming days.