Lionel Messi was forced off the pitch in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami's clash with the Philadelphia Union, a moment that quickly turned from drama to concern for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
The injury arrived just 18 days before the tournament, casting a shadow over the forward's availability and raising questions about his role in Argentina's plans.
Coach Lionel Scaloni had earmarked Messi for a pre‑tournament camp in Kansas City, scheduled for June 1, but the setback may delay or even prevent his participation in the early stages of the competition.
Friendlies and roster decisions
Argentina is set to name its 26‑man squad between May 28 and May 30, a timeline that leaves little room for uncertainty. In the meantime, the team will meet Honduras and Iceland in friendly matches on June 6 and June 9, while a showdown with Algeria is slated for June 16, the opening match of the World Cup group stage.
The Albiceleste's recent triumph in the 2024 Copa América, where they defeated Colombia, added a layer of optimism, yet Messi's limited minutes in that final — just 66 minutes — highlighted both his importance and the physical toll the campaign has taken.
This season, Messi has contributed 13 goals and seven assists in 16 appearances, earning back‑to‑back MLS MVP honors and positioning himself as the frontrunner for the 2026 award.
Despite the setback, the player has not yet made a definitive statement about his intentions for the World Cup, leaving fans and analysts alike watching closely as the national team finalizes its roster.