Lionel Messi was substituted in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer match against Philadelphia Union on May 24 after clutching the back of his left leg and asking to come off, in a 6-4 win for Miami [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The 38-year-old forward showed signs of left hamstring discomfort, which led to immediate medical attention.

Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said Messi’s removal was precautionary due to fatigue and heavy pitch conditions. “He was tired; the pitch was heavy and when in doubt, the standard approach is always to ensure you don’t take any risks,” Hoyos said [1, 3, 6].

Medical examinations found muscle fatigue and inflammation in Messi’s left hamstring and tendons but no tears, allowing a hopeful outlook for recovery. Multiple sources confirmed the injury diagnosis, stressing that it was not severe [3, 5, 6, 7, 8]. Messi is expected to require approximately 10 days of rest before resuming training [6, 7, 8].

Messi has not officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 World Cup but is widely expected to compete in what could be his sixth World Cup appearance [1, 3, 4, 5]. The tournament kicks off on June 11, with Argentina’s first group match against Algeria scheduled for June 16 in Kansas City [1, 2, 3, 4].

MLS is on break for the World Cup, allowing Messi to focus fully on recovery without club commitments [3, 6]. Argentina plans two pre-tournament friendlies on home soil against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9, which will serve as final preparation opportunities [3, 5].

Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni commented on Messi’s condition, stating the injury was "not severe" but the player will not arrive at the national training camp fully fit. Scaloni added, "Obviously we would have preferred that nothing had happened. Now one has to wait and see how it evolves and above all the new tests they are going to conduct in order to see if it confirms their original diagnosis" [3, 9].

Scaloni is also managing a wider injury crisis within Argentina’s squad, with several key players sidelined, leading to an expanded roster for pre-World Cup friendlies including younger domestic talent as contingencies [9, 10].

Argentina’s final World Cup squad is expected to be announced around June 1, amid ongoing fitness assessments [3, 5]. Messi’s recovery progress over the coming days will be closely watched ahead of that deadline.