Lionel Messi injury update: Inter Miami reveal severity of concerns ahead of 2026 World Cup

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) NEW DELHI: Lionel Messi gave fans a scare after he left Inter Miami CF’s MLS match against Philadelphia Union due to physical discomfort. Concerns were raised when Messi went straight to the dressing room with medical staff instead of remaining on the bench after being substituted, especially with the 2026 World Cup less than three weeks away.After the match, Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos explained that Messi felt tired playing on a “difficult” pitch. The club later shared a medical update confirming the Argentina star is struggling with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.“Following further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress,” Inter Miami said in a statement.The injury update comes at an important time with the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off in the United States, Mexico and Canada on June 11. Argentina will enter the tournament as the defending champions after winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.While Messi has not officially confirmed whether he will play at the tournament, he is widely expected to captain Argentina again under coach Lionel Scaloni. Messi is also closing in on 200 international appearances and already holds several World Cup records, including most caps at the tournament with 26 appearances.The Argentina legend scored 13 goals and provided eight assists in World Cup matches and famously led his country to victory against France in the dramatic Qatar 2022 final. Three-time world champions Argentina will play in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan in an expanded 48-team tour