Lionel Messi remained at the center of an injury scare just weeks before the World Cup, as medical tests revealed muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, Inter Miami said on Monday.
The Major League Soccer club’s report did not specify a specific timeline for the Argentine superstar’s comeback following his dramatic exit from Miami’s 6-4 triumph over Philadelphia in the 73rd minute on Sunday.
The 38-year-old legend for the defending World Cup champions grasped the back of his left leg and asked to be removed, but he looked to walk normally as he left the locker room.
“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 a statement.
“The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress.”
That provided precious little insight into the status of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as Argentina prepares to defend its title at a World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico beginning June 11.
Argentina’s first game will be against Algeria in Kansas City, five days later.
Messi has controlled his workload since joining Inter Miami in 2023, with team officials frequently excusing him from matches during tight fixture periods.
Major League Soccer (MLS) has started its World Cup break.
Argentina’s squad will be announced next week, and the team will travel to the United States for pre-World Cup friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9.
While Messi has not confirmed his participation, he is expected to make his sixth World Cup appearance.
