Inter Miami shares update on Lionel Messi injury scare before FIFA World Cup
Messi left Sunday’s 6-4 Major League Soccer victory over the Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute after clutching the back of his thigh following a free kick.
Lionel Messi gave Argentina an anxious moment ahead of their World Cup defence after limping off during his final club appearance before the tournament. The captain, who has been in superb touch, walked off clutching his left hamstring, leaving fans fearing the worst. Soon after, Inter Miami issued an update confirming that no major damage had been detected. While the early signs offered relief, the club did not provide a clear timeline for his return. With the World Cup around the corner, Argentina will still be closely monitoring Messi’s recovery and hoping their talisman regains full fitness in time.
Lionel Messi has muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. (Getty Images via AFP)
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Messi, 38, left Sunday’s 6-4 Major League Soccer victory over the Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute after clutching the back of his thigh following a free kick.
"Inter Miami CF’s captain had to leave the field yesterday, Sunday, May 24, during the match against Philadelphia Union, due to physical discomfort. After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring," Inter Miami released in a statement.
"The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress," it further added.
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos brushed aside concerns after the match, suggesting Messi was simply feeling the effects of a demanding surface and general fatigue.
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Major League Soccer will now break for the World Cup, set to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
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Major League Soccer will now break for the World Cup, set to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Messi is yet to officially confirm whether he will feature at the upcoming World Cup, but his inclusion in Lionel Scaloni’s provisional 55-man squad has strengthened expectations of another appearance on football’s biggest stage. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner famously guided Argentina to their third World Cup crown in Qatar in 2022, delivering a string of memorable performances and finishing the tournament with the Golden Ball.
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Messi is widely expected to captain Argentina once again as they prepare to defend their title in 2026. If selected in the final squad, the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico would mark the legendary forward’s sixth World Cup appearance for his country.
Argentina's squad is due to be named next week and the South American giants will journey to the United States for pre-World Cup friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9.
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.
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Home/Sports/Football/Inter Miami shares update on Lionel Messi injury scare before FIFA World Cup
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