Just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across North America, Argentine football icon Lionel Messi has sent shockwaves through the global football community after being forced off the pitch during Inter Miami’s recent Major League Soccer clash against the Philadelphia Union, sparking widespread concern over his fitness for the upcoming tournament.
The 38-year-old eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is widely tipped to make a historic sixth World Cup appearance for defending champions Argentina, signaled discomfort after clutching the back of his left leg in the 73rd minute of Sunday’s fixture. Though he left the pitch walking normally and headed straight for the dressing room, the unexpected substitution immediately prompted questions about whether the issue would impact his World Cup preparations.
Inter Miami interim head coach Guillermo Hoyos moved quickly to calm fears in post-match comments, framing the substitution as a purely precautionary measure rather than a response to a serious muscle injury. Hoyos explained that persistent wet conditions at the Miami venue left the playing pitch heavy and taxing for players, and that Messi was already showing clear signs of fatigue by the time the substitution was made.
“As far as I know, we don’t have a [medical] report on that yet, but he really was fatigued,” Hoyos told reporters when asked for an update on the forward’s condition. “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’s fitness has been a closely watched topic throughout his time at Inter Miami, ever since he joined the MLS club in summer 2023. The veteran attacker has carefully managed his playing workload to accommodate his age and recurring physical issues, and has already missed multiple club matches this season due to hamstring problems.
While Messi has not yet made an official public announcement confirming his participation in the June 11 – July 19 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the global football community universally expects him to be named to Argentina’s squad, which is set to be announced next week. Argentina will open its title defense against Algeria on June 16, just five days after the tournament gets underway. As the highest-paid player in MLS history, Messi’s presence not only drives massive viewership and commercial growth for the North American league, but also remains the biggest centerpiece of Argentina’s bid to retain the World Cup title they won in Qatar 2022.