Argentina captain Lionel Messi suffered an injury scare while playing for Inter Miami CF less than three weeks before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Messi picked up the injury during Inter Miami’s dramatic 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer action at Nu Stadium on Monday.
The 38-year-old forward contributed two assists during the high-scoring contest, but he was unable to complete the match after being substituted in the 73rd minute. Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano replaced Messi with Mateo Silvetti after the Argentine star signaled discomfort.
Before leaving the field, Messi had remained influential in attack. He delivered a free kick in the 68th minute and later produced a forward pass for teammate Ian Fray during one of Inter Miami’s attacking sequences.
Moments afterward, Messi appeared to communicate with the bench while rolling up his shorts and requesting a substitution. Television footage showed him walking toward the tunnel without an obvious limp, although several reports suggested he had been holding his leg shortly before exiting the match.
The incident immediately sparked concern among Argentina supporters because the 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11, leaving limited recovery time before the tournament.
According to reports from US media outlets, the injury could become a significant concern for both Inter Miami and Argentina given Messi’s importance ahead of the global tournament. The veteran forward has not yet publicly confirmed whether he will participate in what could potentially become his final World Cup appearance.
If Messi plays at the 2026 World Cup, he would make history by becoming the first footballer to compete in six editions of the tournament. The Argentine legend previously featured in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups.
Messi also remains one of the central figures in Argentina’s plans to defend the title they won at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar under coach Lionel Scaloni. His leadership and experience are widely considered vital for Argentina’s campaign in North America next year.
The timing of the injury scare has therefore intensified anxiety among supporters, especially as Messi has dealt with several physical issues over the past two seasons while balancing commitments with both club and country.
Despite concerns surrounding his condition, Inter Miami have yet to release an official medical update regarding the severity of the injury. Club officials are expected to conduct further examinations before determining whether Messi will miss upcoming matches.
Messi has remained one of the standout performers in MLS since joining Inter Miami in 2023. His arrival transformed the club’s international profile and significantly boosted football’s popularity in the United States.
During the current MLS season, Messi has continued to play a key role in Inter Miami’s attacking setup, combining goals and assists while helping the club remain competitive in the league standings.
The Argentine superstar has also maintained his importance for the national team despite his advancing age. Since leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, Messi has continued representing the national side in major international competitions and qualification matches.
Many observers believe the 2026 World Cup could serve as the final chapter in Messi’s legendary international career. The tournament, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to attract global attention as fans wait to see whether Messi will make another appearance on football’s biggest stage.
For now, Argentina supporters and Inter Miami fans alike will be waiting anxiously for further updates on Messi’s condition after the latest injury scare threatened to overshadow another memorable performance from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
