Messi suffers fitness scare ahead of World Cup

By Enitan Abdultawab

Argentina captain Lionel Messi sparked injury concerns ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after asking to be substituted during Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer clash against Philadelphia Union on Sunday.

The 38-year-old forward was taken off in the 73rd minute after appearing to clutch the back of his left leg during the encounter played in wet conditions in Miami.

Despite the scare, Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos suggested the decision was precautionary rather than serious, insisting the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was exhausted from the demanding conditions.

“As far as I know, we don’t have a [medical] report on that yet, but he really was fatigued,” Hoyos said after the match.

“He was tired; the pitch was heavy and when in doubt, the standard approach is always to ensure you don’t take any risks.”

Messi, who guided Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, has yet to officially confirm whether he will feature at the upcoming tournament, though he is widely expected to return for what would be a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance.

The tournament kicks off on June 11 in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Argentina scheduled to face Algeria in their opening match on June 16.

Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has carefully managed his playing time amid recurring hamstring injuries, though he has still spent periods sidelined.

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