World Cup Fears Grow As Messi Suffers Hamstring Setback

Fresh anxiety has gripped Argentina supporters ahead of the FIFA World Cup after Lionel Messi suffered a hamstring setback during an Inter Miami fixture in Major League Soccer.

Inter Miami confirmed on Monday that medical tests conducted after Messi’s abrupt substitution against the Philadelphia Union revealed muscle fatigue and overload in his left hamstring.

Although the club did not provide a specific timeline for his return, the development has intensified fears over the condition of the Argentine captain just weeks before the World Cup.

Messi triggered concern during Inter Miami’s dramatic 6-4 victory on Sunday when he grabbed the back of his left leg before requesting to be substituted in the 73rd minute.

While the 38-year-old walked off the pitch without assistance, his immediate movement toward the dressing room heightened speculation over the seriousness of the injury.

“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 an official statement.

“The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress.”

The update comes at a delicate moment for Argentina, with the defending world champions scheduled to begin their title defence on June 16 against Algeria national football team in Kansas City.

Although Messi has yet to formally confirm participation in the tournament, he is widely expected to captain Argentina in what could become a historic sixth World Cup appearance a feat that would equal the all-time record.

Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has carefully managed his physical workload, with club officials regularly rotating and resting him during congested fixtures.

With the MLS season now paused because of the World Cup, attention is expected to shift toward Argentina’s training camp and upcoming preparatory friendlies against Honduras and Iceland.

For Argentina, however, the central concern remains unmistakable the fitness of the player still considered the heartbeat of their ambitions to retain football’s biggest prize.