Inter Miami confirmed on Monday that Lionel Messi is dealing with a hamstring issue. This diagnosis comes just before Argentina, the reigning World Cup champion, begins its training camp for the upcoming title defense. The development brings some concern to Argentina’s preparations.
Messi underwent testing on Monday, which likely included an MRI, although the exact procedures were not disclosed. The diagnosis revealed an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. This condition prevented him from completing Inter Miami’s match on Sunday night.
Hamstring recovery times vary based on severity. Inter Miami stated that Messi’s return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress. During Sunday’s match against Philadelphia Union, Messi was substituted in the 73rd minute. Before leaving, he seemed to halt play and was spotted clutching the back of his left leg.
He walked off unassisted, directly heading to the team’s locker room. Despite his early exit, Inter Miami secured a 6-4 victory, with Messi contributing two first-half assists. Heavy rain during the second half resulted in slippery field conditions, though it’s unclear if these conditions played a role in Messi’s substitution due to “physical discomfort.”
In preparation for the World Cup, Argentina has scheduled two friendlies: one on June 6 against Honduras in College Station, Texas, and another on June 9 against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama. These matches will take place in college football stadiums with a combined capacity of approximately 180,000.
Argentina is set to compete in Group J for the World Cup. The team will face Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City, Austria on June 22 in Arlington, Texas, and Jordan on June 27 back in Arlington.
Having participated in five World Cups, Messi has twice won the Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament’s best player. He first received the accolade in 2014 and again in 2022 when Argentina claimed the title. Notably, Messi is the only player to win the award twice since its inception in 1982.