Lionel Messi has sparked fresh injury worries just weeks before the World Cup after tests found muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, Inter Miami confirmed on Monday.
The MLS club did not give a return date for the Argentine star after he left Miami’s 6-4 win over Philadelphia in the 73rd minute on Sunday.
The 38-year-old, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory, grabbed the back of his left leg and asked to be substituted. He was later seen walking normally as he headed to 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.”
The update leaves uncertainty around the fitness of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as Argentina prepares to defend its title at the World Cup, which begins on June 11 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Argentina opens its campaign five days later against Algeria in Kansas City.
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has carefully managed his workload, with club staff often resting him during busy stretches of games. MLS is currently on a World Cup break.
Messi has yet to officially confirm he will play at the tournament, but he is widely expected to make what would be a record-equaling sixth World Cup appearance.
Argentina’s squad will be announced next week before warm-up matches against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9 in the United States.
