Messi Injury Scare Shakes Argentina Days Before World Cup

Argentina’s World Cup preparations have been thrown into uncertainty after football icon Lionel Messi sparked fears of a possible injury during Inter Miami CF’s dramatic 6-4 Major League Soccer victory over the Philadelphia Union on Sunday night, May 25.

The 38-year-old Argentina captain abruptly exited the match in the 73rd minute after clutching the back of his left leg during a rain-soaked encounter at Miami’s Nu Stadium, raising concerns just weeks before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Messi, who had earlier delivered another influential display, appeared uncomfortable while taking a free-kick before signaling to the bench that he needed to come off.

He was substituted for Mateo Silvetti and walked straight down the tunnel for treatment.

“As far as I know, we don’t have a (medical) report on that yet, but we will have one shortly,” Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said.

“He was tired; the pitch was heavy, and when in doubt, the standard approach is always to ensure you don’t take any risks,” Guillermo added.

Argentina Faces Nervous Wait Over Messi Fitness

Despite Hoyos attempting to downplay the seriousness of the situation, the sight of Messi clutching his left thigh immediately triggered panic.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains central to the country’s hopes of defending the World Cup title they won in Qatar in 2022.

The defending champions begin their campaign against Algeria on June 16 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, leaving a narrow recovery window before the tournament begins.

Argentina’s pre-World Cup training camps are expected to start in early June, while coach Lionel Scaloni is set to finalize his official 26-man squad around June 2.

Messi has already been included in Argentina’s expanded preliminary squad, but neither Inter Miami nor the Argentine Football Association has released any official medical report confirming whether the veteran forward suffered a strain or muscle tear.

Sunday’s MLS clash was also Inter Miami’s final game before the league pauses for the World Cup.

The Argentine star has carefully managed his workload since joining the American side in 2023, frequently resting during congested fixture periods.

Messi has spent multiple spells sidelined over the past few seasons due to recurring hamstring issues and missed sections of Inter Miami’s preseason campaign earlier this year.

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Messi’s Influence Remains Massive At 38

As he approaches his 39th birthday, Messi continues to shape Argentina’s identity both on and off the pitch.

Across 198 appearances for his country, he has scored 116 goals.

Before Sunday’s scare, Messi had been enjoying another remarkable MLS season, registering 12 goals and eight assists in just 14 league matches.

Over his last five appearances alone, he produced five goals and seven assists.

He also became the first player in MLS history to win Most Valuable Player honors in consecutive seasons.

During Sunday’s encounter, Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union were tied 4-4 at halftime.

Philadelphia surged to a 3-1 lead inside 20 minutes, while Milan Iloski scored a first-half hat trick, including a stoppage-time penalty.

Miami eventually secured the 6-4 victory after Luis Suarez completed his hat trick in the 81st minute before Rodrigo De Paul added another in stoppage time.

Defending Champions Eye Another Historic Run

Argentina enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup carrying the pressure and prestige of defending the crown they won in Qatar after defeating France.

The Albiceleste lifted their third World Cup title after overcoming France on penalties following a thrilling final in Lusail, where Kylian Mbappe scored a hat trick before goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez emerged as the hero during the shootout.

Argentina also arrived in North America as one of the strongest teams in international football after winning two Copa America titles and a World Cup within four years.

They comfortably topped the CONMEBOL qualification standings and defeated arch-rivals Brazil team both home and away.

The South Americans have been drawn into Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.

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Scaloni Balances Experience And Youth

In goal, Emiliano Martinez is expected to remain the first choice after his heroic displays during the 2022 World Cup and Copa America triumphs.

Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Musso, and Walter Benítez are among the backup options.

Defensively, Argentina is expected to rely heavily on the partnership of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez, while veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi has already confirmed this will be his final World Cup before retiring from international football.

Midfield options remain equally strong with Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, and Leandro Paredes all expected to play key roles again.

Argentina, however, will miss injured stars Giovani Lo Celso and Valentin Carboni, while veteran winger Angel Di Maria has already retired from international football following the 2024 Copa America victory.

Up front, Messi is expected to partner Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez in Scaloni’s preferred front three.

The predicted Argentina starting XI for the World Cup stands as: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, and Julian Alvarez.

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Inter Miami’s forward Lionel Messi leaving the pitch after suffering a thigh injury during a MLS clash yesterday on May 25. PHOTO/ File