Lionel Messi left Inter Miami's league match against the Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute on Sunday night, walking off the field moments after signaling to the bench and grabbing the back of his leg following a free-kick. His side went on to win 6–4.
The Timing, Not the Goal Count
The re has been no official update on Messi's condition. The 38-year-old sustained the injury 18 days before the World Cup kicks off. He walked down the players' tunnel and into the locker rooms at Miami's new Nu Stadium.
The record does not need much decoration; it already does the talking.
After the match, Messi and teammate Rodrigo De Paul were expected to join Argentina's pre-tournament training camp in Kansas City on June 1. Messi, who will turn 39 midway through the tournament, has not yet verbally committed to the World Cup. He said he was waiting until the last second to see if he could be 100%. Sunday's injury may have complicated that timeline.
What the Camp Knows
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni is scheduled to release the 26-man roster sometime between May 28 and May 30. All nations must submit the ir squads by June 2. Argentina faces Honduras and Iceland in friendlies on June 6 and June 9 before opening World Cup play against Algeria on June 16.
Inter Miami interim manager Guillermo Hoyos said post-match he believed Messi's issue was fatigue from the heavy pitch due to rainy weather. Other reports suggested the substitution was precautionary, as Messi felt his muscle tighten.
Recent History
Messi suffered a severe right ankle injury at the 2024 Copa América and managed just 66 minutes in the final as Argentina beat Colombia for the title. This season, he has 13 goals and seven assists in 16 games across all competitions.
His last World Cup appearance was the title-winning moment over France in Qatar four years ago.