Lionel Messi’s fitness has become a growing concern ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Inter Miami confirmed that the Argentine captain is dealing with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, casting uncertainty over his short-term return plan.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was forced off during Inter Miami’s thrilling 6-4 Major League Soccer victory over the Philadelphia Union after appearing to clutch the back of his thigh in visible discomfort. Messi left the pitch in the 73rd minute and headed straight down the tunnel, immediately sparking fears among Argentina supporters less than three weeks before the start of the World Cup.
In an official medical update released on Monday, Inter Miami disclosed that further examinations showed the 38-year-old was suffering from “an overload associated with muscle fatigue” in his left hamstring. The club, however, stopped short of providing a definite recovery timeline, saying only that his return would depend on “clinical and functional progress.”
While the diagnosis appears less severe than a major muscle tear, the timing has intensified anxiety in Argentina, where Messi is still expected to lead the defending champions at the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Argentina begin their title defence against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City.
Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos attempted to calm concerns after the match, insisting the substitution was precautionary and linked largely to exhaustion from playing on a heavy pitch following difficult weather conditions. According to Hoyos, Messi showed signs of fatigue rather than a serious breakdown, but the club nevertheless opted not to take risks with their biggest player.
Even so, uncertainty remains because soft-tissue injuries, especially hamstring-related problems, can worsen if not properly managed. Medical experts and sports analysts note that recovery timelines for muscle fatigue and overload injuries vary significantly depending on severity, age, workload and treatment response. For a player approaching 39 and carrying the physical demands of elite football across multiple competitions, careful management has become increasingly essential.
Messi has already dealt with hamstring concerns earlier in the year. In February, Inter Miami confirmed he suffered a left hamstring strain during a preseason fixture against Barcelona SC in Ecuador, forcing him to miss training and causing the postponement of one of the club’s scheduled friendlies.
Despite those recurring fitness concerns, Messi has continued to deliver exceptional performances this season. Before the latest setback, he had recorded 12 goals and eight assists in 14 MLS appearances, once again proving central to Inter Miami’s attacking dominance.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni had already included Messi in the country’s provisional 55-man World Cup squad announced earlier this month, although FIFA regulations require the list to be reduced before the June 1 deadline. Reports from Argentina suggest the current injury may not rule him out of the tournament itself, but his participation in upcoming warm-up matches could now be in doubt.
For Argentina supporters, the situation carries emotional weight beyond ordinary injury concerns. Messi remains the symbolic heartbeat of the national side after leading the country to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022. Many fans view the 2026 tournament as potentially his final World Cup appearance, making every fitness update closely watched across the football world.
The incident also highlights the increasingly delicate balance clubs and national teams face in managing ageing elite players. Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi’s workload has been carefully monitored, with the club regularly resting him during congested schedules to avoid exactly the type of muscle fatigue now affecting him.
For now, there is cautious optimism rather than panic. Messi was able to walk off the pitch without assistance, and several reports indicate no major tear has been detected. Still, until Inter Miami or the Argentine camp provides a clearer recovery timetable, uncertainty will continue to hover over one of football’s greatest players ahead of the sport’s biggest tournament.
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