Messi forced off with hamstring injury as World Cup participation hangs in doubt

Lionel Messi was substituted in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami’s 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union on Sunday after grabbing his hamstring, casting serious doubt over his participation in the upcoming World Cup.

Scans have since revealed that the 38-year-old suffered “an overload associated with muscle fatigue.” A club statement offered no firm return date, noting only that “the timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress.” Messi headed straight down the tunnel after being replaced — the first time he has been substituted for Miami this season.

The timing is particularly alarming for Argentina. The defending champions begin their World Cup title defence in under a month, and Messi has previously made clear that his involvement is conditional on his physical readiness. “I would like to be there,” he said last October. “To feel well and to be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there. I am going to assess that on a day-to-day basis.”

He added: “We’re coming off winning the last World Cup, and being able to defend it on the pitch again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions, so hopefully God will allow me to do it once again.”

Messi has been in exceptional form for Miami this season, scoring 12 goals and registering seven assists across 14 appearances — all of which he had completed in full before Sunday’s withdrawal. It marks the first time he has been substituted for the club in the current campaign.

Hamstring trouble is not new territory for Messi at Miami. He has dealt with similar issues on at least two previous occasions during his three years with the club, and his longest absence — roughly two months — came in the summer of 2024.

Messi led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar, finishing as the tournament’s top performer with seven goals, including two in the final against France, and winning the Golden Ball. The tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer is widely expected to be his last.