Argentina captain Lionel Messi has sparked fresh injury concerns just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup after limping out of Inter Miami’s dramatic 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer.
The 38-year-old forward, who played a key role in the match with two assists, was substituted in the 73rd minute after appearing to feel discomfort in his left hamstring and immediately heading toward the dressing room.
His sudden exit has raised alarm within the Argentina camp, with fears over his fitness ahead of their World Cup title defence scheduled to begin in June.
Reports indicate Messi may have picked up a muscle-related issue, although no official diagnosis has been confirmed by Inter Miami or the Argentine national team.
Despite the scare, observers noted that Messi had not shown clear signs of distress earlier in the game, but the timing of the substitution has intensified concern given his importance to Argentina’s squad.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to monitor the situation closely as the team prepares for pre-World Cup friendlies and final squad adjustments.
Messi remains central to Argentina’s hopes of retaining the World Cup trophy they won in 2022.
