Lionel Messi raised injury concerns for Argentina ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after asking to be substituted in Inter Miami’s final match before the tournament.
The 38-year-old left the field in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami’s 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, appearing to feel discomfort in his left leg. Messi touched the back of his leg in the 69th minute before walking to the bench and being replaced by Mateo Silvetti.
Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos said the substitution was precautionary. “We still don’t have information about this, but soon we’ll have it. He’s tired,” Hoyos said post-match. “Fatigue. He was tired. The field was heavy, right? When faced with doubt, you always try not to take risks.”
Messi had played all 90 minutes in 13 of his previous 14 MLS matches this season and rarely comes off early. The match was Inter Miami’s last before MLS pauses for the World Cup, which begins June 12 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is already managing fitness concerns across his squad. Defenders Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are recovering from muscle injuries, while Cristian Romero is sidelined with a partial MCL tear. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is also undergoing tests on a hand injury sustained in the Europa League final.
Argentina open their World Cup defense against Algeria on June 17 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan in Group J. The Albiceleste qualified early and lead CONMEBOL’s qualifying table.
Messi has previously said he will assess his physical condition during Inter Miami’s preseason before deciding on his World Cup participation. “I would love to. I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there,” he told NBC News earlier this year.
Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and are seeking to become the first team to retain the title since Brazil in 1962. Messi, who turns 39 during the tournament, has scored six goals in qualifying and remains the team’s captain and key playmaker.
