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Lionel Messi left the field in the 73rd minute of the match between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union last Sunday, raising alarms in Argentina less than a month before the start of the 2026 World Cup.
The medical report, issued this Monday by Inter Miami, indicates that the team's captain is experiencing "a strain associated with muscle fatigue in the left hamstring" and that "the timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress," without setting a date for his return.
Messi felt discomfort after taking a free-kick in the 70th minute; he touched the back of his left thigh and requested to be substituted. He was replaced by M. Silvetti and walked on his own to the locker room, which initially eased concerns.
However, medical sources cited by La Nación of Argentina confirmed that there is a minor muscle injury — ruling out a tear — and estimated a recovery time of approximately ten days.
This deadline gives Messi just enough time for Argentina's World Cup debut, scheduled for June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City, leaving minimal time for preparation.
The Inter Miami coach, Guillermo Hoyos, tried to downplay the situation in the post-match press conference: "Honestly, he is fatigued," he stated, attributing his exit to accumulated tiredness and the risk of overexertion on a heavy field, although he acknowledged that the medical staff had not yet completed their report at that time.
The context couldn't be more delicate for the Argentine team. The 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and the final list of 26 players must be submitted to FIFA by May 30, which makes the injury a race against time for coach Lionel Scaloni.
Argentina is part of Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. After its debut against Algeria, the reigning world champion will face Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27.
The situation worsens as the team is already facing significant injuries: Valentín Carboni was ruled out in February 2026 due to a torn knee ligament, and Juan Foyth was sidelined in January due to a torn Achilles tendon.
The episode brings back the memory of the 2024 Copa América, where Messi ended the final injured and in tears —also with an injury to his left thigh— despite Argentina securing the championship with a 1-0 victory against Colombia, thanks to a goal from Lautaro Martínez in the 112th minute. That injury kept him out for approximately two months.
Messi is 38 years old and the 2026 World Cup is widely regarded as his last World Cup as an active player, which adds a historical dimension to every update about his physical condition.
Argentina has two friendly matches scheduled as preparation before the tournament: against Honduras and Iceland in the United States, on June 6 and 9, matches that Messi could potentially participate in if his recovery progresses as expected.
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