SportFootballWorld Cup 2026Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has handed Argentina an injury scare as the 2026 World Cup draws ever closer10:20, 25 May 2026Updated 10:27, 25 May 2026Lionel Messi has handed Argentina a potential injury scare just weeks before the start of the 2026 World Cup. Messi and Co. will be looking to defend their crown when the tournament gets underway next month.‌The United States, Canada and Mexico will co-host the World Cup this summer, which sees 48 teams compete in the inaugural expanded version of the tournament.‌Messi played a key role in helping Argentina win the World Cup last summer, but the Inter Miami star faces a battle to be fit for the start of this summer’s tournament.‌Sunday night saw his side claim a dramatic 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer, but Messi was unable to complete the full 90 minutes as he was substituted in the second half.READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes accuses Roy Keane of spreading lies about him in brutal responseREAD MORE: Raging Wayne Rooney rips into Man City guard of honour that left Pep Guardiola cryingMessi was replaced by Mateo Silvetti in the 73rd minute and appeared to be holding the back of his leg as he made his way off the pitch and headed straight for the dressing roomMiami’s interim boss Guillermo Hoyos offered an update on Messi’s fitness, where he eased fears that the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star had picked up an injury.‌"As far as I know, we don’t have a report on that yet, but he really was fatigued," Hoyos told reporters after Miami's win over Philadelphia."It was fatigue. He was tired, the field was heavy, and rather than doubt, one always says not to take the risk."‌JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook pageMessi now faces a race against time to be able to feature in his sixth World Cup for Argentina, having helped guided his country to glory in Qatar back in 2022.Argentina will take on Honduras and Iceland in friendly matches next month before the tournament officially gets underway.Article continues belowLionel Scaloni's side will face Algeria in their opening Group J fixture on June 16 in Kansas City, before battling Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27, with both matches taking place in in Arlington, Texas.If Argentina were to get out of their group as either winners or runners up, they would set up a round of 32 knockout tie against one of Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia or Cape Verde.There will also be a chance to reach the knockout stages for Argentina if they finish third in their group, with the eight best third-place countries earning a spot in the next round.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Paris Saint-GermainMajor League SoccerLionel ScaloniLionel MessiFIFA World CupWorld Cup 2026Inter Miami