Lionel Messi left an Inter Miami match on Sunday with an apparent hamstring injury [4].
The injury creates immediate uncertainty for the Argentina national team as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As the team captain and primary offensive threat, Messi's availability is critical to Argentina's prospects in the tournament.
The incident occurred during a Major League Soccer match between Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union in Miami, Florida [3]. Messi was forced to leave the field in the 73rd minute [2] after sustaining the injury. Despite the setback for the forward, Inter Miami secured a 6-4 victory in the match [1].
Medical staff have not yet released a formal timeline for his recovery, but the timing of the injury is particularly precarious. The event took place on May 24, 2026 [3], leaving a narrow window for rehabilitation before the tournament begins.
This injury adds Messi to a growing list of high-profile players facing fitness struggles just weeks before the international kickoff. The hamstring is a sensitive area for veteran players, and the severity of the strain will determine if he can maintain his starting role for Argentina.
Inter Miami and the Argentina national team have not provided further updates on the diagnostic results. The focus now shifts to the club's medical team in the U.S. to determine the exact grade of the hamstring tear and the subsequent recovery protocol.
“Messi was forced to leave the field in the 73rd minute”
A hamstring injury this close to the World Cup is a significant blow to Argentina's tactical planning. Given Messi's age and the physical demands of the tournament, any loss of training time or match fitness could limit his minutes or impact his effectiveness as the team's focal point.
