Football fans around the world are holding their breath after Lionel Messi suffered a fresh injury scare just weeks before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Inter Miami confirmed on Monday that the Argentine superstar has been diagnosed with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring following medical examinations carried out after the club’s dramatic 6-4 victory over Philadelphia on Sunday.
The 38-year-old forward was forced off in the 73rd minute after appearing to feel discomfort at the back of his left leg during the match.
Although Messi was seen walking normally as he headed to the dressing room, the latest medical update has raised concerns over his fitness ahead of Argentina’s World Cup title defence next month.
“After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” Inter Miami said in an official statement.
The club, however, failed to provide a clear timeline for the football legend’s recovery.
“The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress,” the statement added.
The uncertainty surrounding Messi’s condition has immediately sparked anxiety among Argentine fans and football lovers globally, especially with the World Cup now just weeks away.
Argentina are expected to begin their campaign on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City as they attempt to defend the trophy they won in Qatar.
Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, is expected to feature in what could become a record-equalling sixth FIFA World Cup appearance.
Although the Inter Miami star has not officially confirmed his participation in the tournament, he is widely expected to lead Argentina once again.
The injury scare comes after months of careful workload management by Inter Miami since Messi joined the MLS side in 2023.
Club officials have regularly rested him during busy fixture schedules to protect his fitness and reduce injury risks.
With Major League Soccer currently entering its World Cup break period, attention is now firmly focused on whether Messi will recover in time to lead Argentina into the tournament.
Argentina’s final World Cup squad is expected to be announced next week, while the team is also scheduled to play friendly matches against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9 before the tournament officially begins.
Fans across social media have already begun reacting nervously to the development, hoping the football icon avoids a major setback ahead of what could be his final World Cup appearance.
For now, all eyes remain on Messi’s recovery progress.
Source: AFP / Inter Miami
