Messi diagnosed with hamstring overload, avoiding serious injury three weeks before World Cup
Lionel Messi has been diagnosed with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring after leaving Inter Miami's match early, easing fears of a serious injury less than three weeks before the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina and football fans worldwide breathed a sigh of relief after Inter Miami confirmed that Lionel Messi's injury is not a tear but an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. The 38-year-old forward was forced off in the 73rd minute of Sunday's 6-4 MLS victory over the Philadelphia Union, clutching the back of his thigh after taking a free kick.
The diagnosis
After undergoing further medical tests on Monday, the club released a statement detailing the preliminary findings. The diagnosis of an overload rather than a tear means Messi has avoided a potentially tournament-ending setback.
After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress.
Managing the workload
Messi has carefully managed his workload since joining Inter Miami in 2023, with staff regularly resting him during congested periods. He has made several trips to the treatment room in recent years due to hamstring issues. According to ESPN Argentina, Messi has been following an intensive training program for months alongside teammate Rodrigo De Paul, adding extra sessions on top of regular club training.
World Cup countdown
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19. Argentina, the defending champions, begin their campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16. They will also face Austria and Jordan in Group J. Coach Lionel Scaloni included Messi in a provisional 55-man squad and will announce the final 26-man roster on June 1.
- Inter Miami reports Messi missed training due to a muscle strain in his left hamstring.
- Messi leaves Inter Miami's 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute clutching his left thigh.
- Medical tests confirm an overload associated with muscle fatigue in the left hamstring, not a tear.
- Coach Lionel Scaloni to announce Argentina's final 26-man World Cup squad.
- Argentina friendly vs. Honduras in College Station.
- Argentina friendly vs. Iceland in Auburn.
- Argentina's World Cup opener vs. Algeria in Kansas City.
What's next
Argentina has scheduled two friendlies before the tournament: against Honduras on June 6 in College Station, and against Iceland on June 9 in Auburn. It remains unclear whether Messi will participate in those matches or require additional rest. The MLS season has now paused for the World Cup, giving Messi time to recover before joining his national team.
Messi appeared fatigued after playing on a heavy pitch.
A sixth World Cup
If selected in the final squad, Messi will play in his sixth World Cup. He captained Argentina to their third title in Qatar in 2022, winning the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. Despite the scare, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner appears on track to lead his nation's title defense.
