Lionel Messi’s latest injury scare has added another layer of tension to Argentina’s World Cup buildup, with Inter Miami confirming the captain is dealing with fatigue-related discomfort in his left hamstring less than three weeks before the defending champions open preparations for the 2026 tournament.
The MLS club announced Monday that medical examinations revealed “an overload associated with muscle fatigue” in Messi’s left hamstring, easing fears of a serious tear but immediately shifting attention toward Argentina’s title defense in North America.
Messi, now 38 and preparing for what is expected to be his sixth and final World Cup, was forced off in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami’s wild 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Union on Sunday after clutching the back of his left leg following a free kick.
The Argentine star walked off without assistance and headed straight down the tunnel after signaling to the bench that he could not continue.
Inter Miami later described the issue as muscle fatigue rather than structural damage, with the club adding that his return “will depend on his clinical and functional progress.”
