Lionel Messi left Inter Miami's match against Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute after appearing to clutch his left thigh, a moment that sent a ripple through the stadium.
The Argentine forward was replaced by Mateo Silvetti and walked off the pitch under his own power, a rare sight given his usual reluctance to be substituted.
Despite the early exit, Inter Miami secured a 6‑4 victory, with Luis Suárez striking the go‑ahead goal in the 81st minute to seal the win.
Messi's departure comes at a critical juncture, as the player has a history of hamstring problems during his three‑year spell in Major League Soccer.
A Critical Moment for Argentina
Argentina is slated to begin its group‑stage campaign on June 16 against Algeria, a match that will test the squad's depth without its star attacker.
The South American side is placed in Group J alongside Austria and Jordan, and a top‑group finish would guarantee a Round of 32 fixture in Miami Gardens on July 3, potentially allowing Messi to return to his adopted home state.
Should Argentina advance to the third‑place playoff on July 18, the only other scenario that would bring Messi back to South Florida would be a decisive match in that final.
Coaches and analysts alike are watching the fitness of the veteran closely, knowing that his presence could swing the balance in high‑stakes encounters.
While the tournament's schedule remains fluid, the early signs suggest that Argentina will need to adapt its tactics if Messi's availability remains uncertain.