Lionel Messi was forced out of Inter Miami's Major League Soccer clash with the Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute on Sunday after clutching his left thigh, a moment that raised immediate concerns about his physical condition.
The club later confirmed that imaging revealed muscle fatigue in the left hamstring, a diagnosis that places the star's participation in the upcoming World Cup — scheduled to begin in less than three weeks — in jeopardy.
A race against time
Inter Miami's medical staff emphasized that Messi's resumption of training will be guided by both clinical markers and functional testing, underscoring the narrow window they have to restore full fitness before the global tournament.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, however, named Messi in a provisional 55‑man squad for the World Cup, signaling confidence that the forward remains a key tactical option despite the injury.
The 2026 edition will be staged across three North American nations, with matches set to run from June 11 to July 19, a timeline that compresses the recovery period for the Argentine captain, who led his country to a third World Cup title in Qatar four years ago.
Messi's potential sixth World Cup appearance adds a narrative layer to a career that already includes a championship in 2022, and his fitness will be closely monitored by both club and country as the tournament approaches.