Lionel Messi has raised the alarm at Inter Miami and Argentina just 18 days before the start of the 2026 World Cup, after failing to complete the final match before the tournament.
The 38-year-old star was substituted in the 73rd minute of the MLS clash against Philadelphia Union, which Inter Miami won 6-4 on Sunday night. Messi signaled to the bench that he needed to be substituted, while he was seen clutching the back of his leg after taking a free kick.
He quickly left the pitch and then hurriedly headed down the players’ tunnel, entering the dressing rooms at the club’s new stadium, Nu Stadium.
There is no official medical report on his condition yet, but concern is inevitable given the World Cup looming. After the match, Messi and his Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul were expected to join Argentina’s pre-season camp in Kansas City on June 1. Both had already begun additional training to prepare for the tournament, in addition to their usual commitments with Inter Miami.
Messi, who will turn 39 in the middle of the World Cup, has yet to publicly state whether he will participate. He reportedly planned to leave the decision “to the last minute” to see “if he can be 100%,” and this latest injury could complicate his situation. If it proves serious, his last World Cup match would be the historic final against France in Qatar, where Argentina won the trophy.
Meanwhile, coach Lionel Scaloni has yet to release his 26-man World Cup squad. It is reported to be announced between May 28 and 30, with the final deadline for all national teams being June 2. Argentina then play friendly matches against Honduras and Iceland on June 6 and 9, before opening the tournament against Algeria on June 16.
For now, Messi’s presence at the World Cup has not been officially put in doubt, as Inter Miami staff have not yet provided confirmation or diagnosis.
Inter Miami interim coach Guillermo Hoyos said after the match that he believed it was fatigue, partly due to the rain-soaked pitch. Meanwhile, other reports suggest the substitution was simply a precautionary measure, after Messi felt a muscle strain.
Recall that Messi suffered a serious injury to his right ankle in the 2024 Copa America and played only 66 minutes in the final, where Argentina defeated Colombia and won the trophy.
Despite this episode, Messi has been in incredible form this season, with no signs of slowing down. The two-time MLS MVP winner has recorded 13 goals and 7 assists in 16 appearances in all competitions, and is considered a favorite to be named MVP in 2026.
