Lionel Messi, the Argentina captain, sparked injury concerns ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after asking to be substituted during Inter Miami's Major League Soccer clash against Philadelphia Union on Sunday. The 38-year-old forward was taken off in the 73rd minute after appearing to clutch the back of his left leg during the encounter played in wet conditions in Miami.

And this isn't the first time Messi has had to deal with fitness issues. Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, he has carefully managed his playing time amid recurring hamstring injuries, though he's still spent periods sidelined.

Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos suggested the decision was precautionary rather than serious, insisting the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was exhausted from the demanding conditions. Guillermo Hoyos said after the match, "As far as I know, we don’t have a [medical] report on that yet, but he really was fatigued." He was tired; the pitch was heavy and when in doubt, the standard approach is always to ensure you don’t take any risks.

So what does this mean for Messi's World Cup plans? He hasn't officially confirmed whether he'll feature at the upcoming tournament, though he's widely expected to return for what would be a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance.

The tournament kicks off on June 11 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Argentina is scheduled to face Algeria in their opening match on June 16. Messi guided Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022. His participation in the 2026 World Cup would be a significant boost to his team's chances, as he's a key player.

Yet despite the concerns, Messi's fans will be hoping that this latest setback is just a minor blip. He's got a history of managing his playing time and avoiding serious injuries. It's possible that he'll be back to full fitness in time for the World Cup.

Key Facts

  • Lionel Messi was substituted in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami's match against Philadelphia Union
  • The 38-year-old forward has a history of recurring hamstring injuries
  • Argentina is scheduled to face Algeria in their opening World Cup match on June 16
  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico
  • Messi hasn't officially confirmed his participation in the tournament

But for now, Messi's fitness remains a concern. His fans will be watching his progress closely in the lead-up to the World Cup. He'd be a significant loss to Argentina if he's unable to participate, given his experience and skill. As the World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on Messi to see if he can overcome this latest setback. He'll need to regain his fitness to lead his team to victory once again.