Lionel Messi Suffers Hamstring Injury Scare Weeks Before 2026 World Cup
Lionel Messi was substituted in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami’s 6-4 MLS win over the Philadelphia Union on May 24, 2026, after clutching his left hamstring. The 38-year-old Argentina star walked off normally, but the injury raises concerns ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico starting June 11. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos called it a precautionary move due to fatigue and heavy pitch conditions. Messi is expected to make a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance, with Argentina’s opener against Algeria on June 16.
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Messi scores on penalty as Argentina beats Iceland 3-0 in its final World Cup tune-up
Lionel Messi, recovering from muscle fatigue and a left hamstring strain suffered on May 24 with Inter Miami, came off the bench in the 70th minute to score a penalty in Argentina's 3-0 friendly victory over Iceland on June 9, 2026, in Auburn, Alabama. The match was Argentina's final tune-up before the 2026 World Cup. Messi, who turns 39 and will play in his sixth World Cup, converted the penalty in the 72nd minute after Lautaro Martínez was fouled. Argentina, the reigning world champion seeking its fourth title, will open its tournament against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City as part of Group J, which also includes Austria and Jordan. The match was the second meeting between the two nations; the first was a 1-1 draw at the 2018 World Cup where Messi missed a penalty.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Lionel Messi Scores Penalty and Goal in 119 Seconds in Argentina Friendly Win Over Iceland
Lionel Messi dispelled fitness concerns ahead of the 2026 World Cup by forcing a penalty and scoring a goal within 119 seconds of coming on as a substitute in Argentina's 3-0 friendly victory over Iceland on Tuesday. The 38-year-old star, recovering from an Achilles tendon injury with Inter Miami, entered the match in the 70th minute and immediately created a penalty for Lautaro Martinez, which Messi converted to score his 117th international goal. This made him Argentina's oldest scorer at 38 years, 11 months, and 18 days, surpassing Angel Labruna's record. Messi also assisted on Thiago Almada's goal in the 86th minute. The match, played in Auburn, Alabama, saw Valentin Barco score the opener in the 8th minute. Argentina, defending World Cup champions, will face Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City to begin their tournament campaign.
Home Football - actualitésLionel Messi's Recovery Progress: Could Play Minutes in Argentina Friendlies Ahead of World Cup
Lionel Messi has taken a significant step in his recovery from a left Achilles tendon injury sustained in Inter Miami's last match. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni announced on Friday that Messi has partially trained with the group and is no longer completely sidelined. Scaloni indicated that the 38-year-old forward could play a few minutes in Argentina's upcoming friendly matches against Honduras on Saturday in College Station, Texas, and against Iceland on Tuesday in Auburn, Alabama. The Argentine national team's medical staff is closely monitoring Messi's condition, and his improved status reassures the coaching staff ahead of the World Cup. Argentina is the reigning world champion.
FútbolMessi Diagnosed with Left Hamstring Fatigue, Return Plan Uncertain Ahead of World Cup
Lionel Messi has been diagnosed with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring after undergoing medical tests on Monday, Inter Miami announced. The 38-year-old Argentine star exited Sunday's MLS match against Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute after grabbing the back of his left leg. The club provided no clear timetable for his return, stating it will depend on his clinical and functional progress. The injury comes as a major concern for Argentina, who are defending World Cup champions and begin their campaign on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City. Messi is widely expected to make a record-matching sixth World Cup appearance. Argentina will play pre-World Cup friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9 before the tournament co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico begins June 11.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Messi injury scare during Inter Miami match raises World Cup concerns
Lionel Messi, aged 38, requested a substitution in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami's MLS match against Philadelphia Union on May 24, 2026, after feeling his hamstring. He walked off slowly and headed directly to the dressing room, sparking fears about his fitness for Argentina's World Cup title defense, which begins in three weeks. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos stated it was too early to determine if Messi was injured, suggesting the substitution was precautionary due to fatigue and pitch conditions. Teammate Mateo Silvetti expressed hope the issue is not serious. Messi had provided two assists earlier in the game and had played 90 minutes in all recent MLS matches. The incident has led to widespread speculation about his availability for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al JazeeraMessi Sparks Injury Fears After Being Substituted in Inter Miami Match Ahead of World Cup
Lionel Messi raised fresh injury concerns ahead of the 2026 World Cup after asking to be substituted during Inter Miami's MLS match against the Philadelphia Union on Sunday. The 38-year-old Argentina captain was replaced in the 73rd minute after appearing to clutch the back of his left leg in wet conditions. He walked off the pitch unaided and went straight down the tunnel. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said the substitution was precautionary due to fatigue and a heavy pitch, not an injury. Messi has not formally confirmed his participation in the upcoming World Cup, but is widely expected to make a record-equalling sixth appearance. He has managed his workload carefully since joining Inter Miami in 2023 but has had hamstring issues. Argentina's national team is expected to closely monitor his condition before naming the squad.
Punch Newspapers - Latest NewsIs Messi's Injury Serious? Argentina Journalist Shares Update After MLS Thriller
During a chaotic 6-4 MLS victory for Inter Miami over Philadelphia Union, Lionel Messi was substituted in the 73rd minute after appearing to hold the back of his left thigh. The match featured a record-breaking 4-4 first half and a hat trick from Luis Suarez. Messi, who provided two assists, was replaced as a precaution due to hamstring tightness, according to reliable Argentine journalist Gaston Edul. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos confirmed the substitution was due to fatigue on a heavy pitch and not a muscle injury. Fans remain cautious as final medical reports are awaited, given the upcoming World Cup.
gulfnewsLionel Messi Exits MLS Match with Injury Scare Weeks Before 2026 World Cup
Lionel Messi was substituted in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami's 6-4 MLS win over the Philadelphia Union on May 24, 2026, after clutching the back of his left leg and requesting to come off. The 38-year-old Argentina star walked normally down the tunnel, but the incident raised concerns just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins June 11. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said it was too early to determine if Messi was injured, attributing the substitution to fatigue and heavy pitch conditions as a precaution. Messi has a history of hamstring issues and has had his workload managed since joining Miami in 2023. Argentina's World Cup campaign starts against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City. Messi is widely expected to play in his record-equalling sixth World Cup, though he has not formally confirmed his participation.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Lionel Messi suffers hamstring injury scare for Inter Miami, casting doubt on World Cup participation
Lionel Messi suffered a hamstring injury during Inter Miami's 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union on Sunday, being substituted in the 73rd minute and heading straight down the tunnel. The injury comes less than a month before the 2026 World Cup, putting Argentina's title defense in jeopardy. The 38-year-old has rarely experienced lengthy injury problems since joining MLS in 2023, but this is at least his third hamstring issue in three years. Messi previously stated he would only play in the World Cup if fully healthy. He inspired Argentina to victory in 2022, scoring seven goals and winning the Golden Ball. Inter Miami manager Mateo Silvetti expressed uncertainty about the severity of the injury.
yahoo sportsMessi suffers injury scare before World Cup
Argentina star Lionel Messi was substituted during Inter Miami's MLS game against the Philadelphia Union on Sunday after clutching the back of his left leg, raising concerns ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The 38-year-old forward came off in the 73rd minute but appeared to walk normally down the tunnel. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos described the substitution as precautionary, citing fatigue and heavy pitch conditions due to wet weather. Messi has not formally confirmed his participation in the World Cup, which begins on June 11, but is widely expected to make a record-equalling sixth appearance for defending champions Argentina. Their opening match is against Algeria on June 16. Since joining MLS in 2023, Messi has carefully managed his workload but has had spells on the sideline with hamstring issues.
yahoo sportsMessi suffers injury scare before World Cup
Argentina star Lionel Messi was substituted during Inter Miami's MLS match against the Philadelphia Union on Sunday after clutching the back of his left leg, raising concerns ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said the substitution was precautionary due to fatigue and heavy pitch conditions in wet Miami. Messi, 38, walked normally down the tunnel. He has not formally confirmed his participation in the World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico starting June 11, but is widely expected to make a record-equalling sixth appearance. Argentina's squad will be named next week, with their opening game against Algeria on June 16. Since joining Miami in 2023, Messi has managed his workload carefully but has had hamstring issues.
BBC SportInter Miami Coach Addresses Messi's Substitution Due to Muscle Fatigue
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos stated that Lionel Messi's early substitution in the 73rd minute against Philadelphia Union was likely due to muscle fatigue, not a serious injury. Messi, who rarely leaves games early, touched his left hamstring and asked for a change before heading straight to the locker room. The match, played on a heavy, rain-soaked field, ended in a 6-4 victory for Inter Miami, with Messi providing two assists. The incident raises concerns ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina debuts on June 16 against Algeria. No official diagnosis has been made, but the team hopes it is only a minor scare.
LA NACIONMessi Substitution Sparks Injury Concerns Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Lionel Messi caused alarm in Argentina's World Cup camp after being substituted in the 72nd minute of Inter Miami's 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union. The star player touched the back of his left thigh before heading directly to the locker room tunnel. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos downplayed injury fears, stating Messi was simply fatigued and the team chose not to take risks on a heavy field. The match was Messi's final club appearance before joining Argentina's World Cup training camp. Luis Suárez scored a hat-trick and Germán Berterame added a double for Inter Miami, while Philadelphia's Milan Iloski also netted three goals in a high-scoring affair. The victory consolidated Inter Miami's second place in the Eastern Conference with 31 points.
PortadaLionel Messi Suffers Hamstring Injury Scare Three Weeks Before World Cup
Lionel Messi suffered a hamstring injury scare during Inter Miami's 6-4 win over Philadelphia CC, his last MLS match before joining Argentina's World Cup 2026 preparations. The 38-year-old clutched his left hamstring and was substituted in the 71st minute. Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos downplayed the injury as fatigue, stating Messi was tired and the pitch was heavy. Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria is on June 16, with Messi expected to make a historic sixth tournament appearance. He has been in fine form, leading the MLS with 20 goal contributions.
The Indian ExpressConcerning Lionel Messi Injury Emerges Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Lionel Messi exited Inter Miami's 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute with an apparent leg injury, just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Although he walked off under his own power, he signaled to the bench and went straight to the locker room. His availability for Argentina's World Cup campaign is now uncertain. Polymarket prediction odds dropped from above 95% to below 90% following the incident. Argentina, the defending champions, are in Group J with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Messi's status remains unconfirmed with roughly three weeks until group play begins.
NewsweekApparent leg injury sidelines Inter Miami star Lionel Messi
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi suffered an apparent leg injury during a 6-4 home victory over the Philadelphia Union on May 24, 2026. In the 70th minute, the two-time reigning MLS MVP grabbed his left thigh after a free kick and requested a substitution, leaving the field in the 73rd minute under his own power. Messi, 28, has 20 goal contributions (12 goals, eight assists) in 14 matches this season and 107 contributions in 67 games for Inter Miami. The MLS now enters a six-week break for the FIFA World Cup, which runs June 11 to July 19. Messi is expected to play for defending champions Argentina, whose first Group J match is June 16 against Algeria. Argentina will play friendlies against Honduras and Iceland before the tournament.
Deadspin > Sports News Without Fear, Favor or CompromiseMessi leaves Inter Miami match injured, raising concerns for Argentina ahead of FIFA World Cup
Lionel Messi sparked injury concerns ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after leaving Inter Miami's match against the Philadelphia Union with an apparent leg problem. The 38-year-old Argentine forward asked to be substituted during Sunday's game in Miami and walked off the pitch in the 73rd minute while holding the back of his leg. He headed directly to the dressing room under his own power, but the extent of the injury remains unclear. Messi has been in strong form for Inter Miami this season, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists in 13 appearances. The injury scare comes just over two weeks before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Argentina begin their campaign against Algeria on June 16. Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022 and won the Golden Ball award.
The News International - latest newsLionel Messi Exits Match Early with Apparent Hamstring Injury, Inter Miami Wins 6-4
Lionel Messi left Inter Miami's MLS match against the Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute due to an apparent left hamstring injury, raising concerns about his availability for the 2026 World Cup with Argentina. Messi, who rarely gets substituted, reached for his hamstring and left the field through the tunnel without medical personnel. Despite his early exit, Inter Miami rallied to win 6-4, with Luis Suarez scoring a hat trick and Rodrigo De Paul adding a stoppage-time goal. The first half set an MLS record with eight goals. Argentina begins its World Cup group stage on June 16 against Algeria. Messi has stated he will only play in the World Cup if healthy.
Latest Sports News & Videos from FOX SportsMessi Subbed Off with Thigh Discomfort in Final Inter Miami Match Before World Cup
Lionel Messi was substituted in the 68th minute of Inter Miami's 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union after grabbing the back of his left thigh, raising concerns just 23 days before Argentina's World Cup debut. The star player signaled to coach Guillermo Hoyos that he could not continue and went directly to the locker room. If it is a muscle tear, recovery could take about three weeks, potentially causing him to miss pre-World Cup friendlies against Honduras and Iceland. No official medical report has been released. The article also notes other Argentina players with injuries, including Cristian Romero, Emiliano Martínez, Nahuel Molina, Nicolás Paz, and Marcos Acuña. Despite the injury, Messi had recorded two assists in the match, extending his record as football's all-time top assister with 414.
LA NACIONLionel Messi Injured in Inter Miami Win, Raises Concerns Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami captain and Argentine legend, left Sunday's 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute with an apparent left thigh injury. The injury occurred after Messi took a free kick and immediately signaled for a substitution. He walked off the field without assistance. This was Inter Miami's final match before the World Cup break. Messi, 38, is expected to lead Argentina's title defense in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the team set to begin on June 16 against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has expressed strong desire for Messi to participate, stating it is ultimately Messi's decision. Messi has been in dominant form this MLS season with 12 goals and 7 assists in 16 matches. The injury's severity remains unclear, but the timing is critical just weeks before the tournament.
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