New Delhi: Lionel Messi gave fans a scare after he left Inter Miami CF’s MLS match against Philadelphia Union due to a physical injury. Concerns were raised when Messi went straight to the dressing room with medical staff after being substituted instead of staying on the bench, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup less than three weeks away.After the game, Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos explained that Messi had felt tired playing on the “heavy” pitch. The club later shared a medical update confirming the Argentine star is dealing with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.“After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress,” Inter Miami said in a statement.The injury update comes at a crucial time, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to kick off on June 11 in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Argentina will enter the tournament as the defending champions after winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Although Messi has not officially confirmed whether he will play in the tournament, he is widely expected to captain Argentina again under coach Lionel Scaloni. Messi also has 200 international appearances and already holds several World Cup records, including most appearances in the tournament with 26 appearances.The Argentina legend scored 13 goals and provided eight assists in World Cup matches to lead his country to a dramatic victory over France in the Qatar 2022 final. Argentina, three-time world champions, will play in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan in the extended 48-team tour.
