Lionel Messi suffers injury scare weeks ahead of 2026 World Cup – all you need to know

Lionel Messi. Image via: Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images NEW DELHI: Lionel Messi gave fans a scare ahead of the World Cup after appearing to injure his left hamstring in Inter Miami’s thrilling 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union in MLS. Messi, who is rarely substituted, left in the 73rd minute after seemingly feeling discomfort and immediately headed to the dressing room on his own.Before leaving, Messi made a big impact with two assists, while Luis Suárez scored a hat-trick to help Inter Miami complete a comeback victory. Philadelphia took an early 2-0 lead, but the game turned into a goal fest with an MLS record eight goals scored in the first half alone. The timing of Messi’s injury scare has worried Argentina fans as the World Cup starts early, with Argentina playing their first match in the group stage on June 16. Messi has previously said that he will only play in the tournament if he is fully fit.Heavy rain during the second half made for slippery conditions, although it remains unclear whether Messi’s substitution was precautionary or due to a serious problem. They saw him walking slowly but without the help of medical personnel.Despite concerns over Messi, Inter Miami finished the first half of the MLS season strongly and are now second in the Eastern Conference table. Rodrigo De Paul scored late on to seal the win, while Germán Berterame also netted twice.Singer Luis Fonsi, who performed before the game, spoke of seeing Messi up close.“It’s beautiful, it’s fun to be part of the game, it’s fun to sing the national anthem and of course to see Messi and all these greats so close to me, it’s an honor for me,” Fonsi said.“He’s way more famous than me – times a million,” he joked.