Fresh fears have gripped Argentina supporters ahead of the FIFA World Cup after Inter Miami confirmed that Lionel Messi is battling muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, throwing fresh uncertainty around his short-term fitness.
The Major League Soccer side disclosed on Monday that medical tests conducted after Messi’s abrupt substitution against Philadelphia Union pointed to a fatigue-related overload injury, although the club stopped short of giving a timeline for his return.
The Argentine captain triggered concern during Inter Miami’s 6-4 win on Sunday when he grabbed the back of his left leg and requested to be taken off in the 73rd minute. While the 38-year-old walked off without assistance, his immediate trip to the dressing room intensified worries over his condition.
“After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” Inter Miami said in a statement.
“The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress.”
The update arrives at a sensitive moment for Argentina, with the defending champions set to begin their World Cup title defence on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City.
Although Messi has not officially confirmed he will play at the tournament, he is widely expected to lead Argentina in what could be a historic sixth World Cup appearance, equalling the all-time record.
Since moving to Inter Miami in 2023, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has carefully managed his workload, with club officials routinely rotating and resting him during demanding schedules to minimise injury risks.
With MLS now paused for the World Cup, attention will shift to Argentina’s training camp and upcoming friendlies against Honduras and Iceland as the team finalises preparations.
For Argentina, however, the immediate concern is clear: the fitness of the man who remains central to their hopes of retaining football’s biggest prize.
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