Inter Miami said Lionel Messi is experiencing “an overload” associated with fatigue in his left hamstring after the Argentine star exited Sunday’s MLS match against the Philadelphia Union.
Messi left Inter Miami’s 6-4 victory in the 73rd minute after appearing to grab the back of his left leg following a free kick. The 38-year-old forward walked off under his own power before heading directly to the locker room.
The development comes less than three weeks before Argentina begins its FIFA World Cup title defense, increasing attention around Messi’s fitness ahead of the international tournament.
Inter Miami Downplays Severity
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said after the match that the issue appeared related to fatigue rather than a major injury.
Hoyos cited difficult field conditions and accumulated workload as contributing factors, adding that the club wanted to avoid taking unnecessary risks late in the game.
Multiple reports indicated Messi had been moving more cautiously before requesting the substitution. However, he did not appear to be limping significantly as he left the field.
The club has not yet announced a recovery timetable or whether additional medical testing will be required.
Argentina Monitors Situation Before World Cup
Messi is expected to captain Argentina at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, where the defending champions open group-stage play against Algeria on June 16.
Argentina is also scheduled to play pre-tournament friendlies against Honduras and Iceland before the competition begins.
The injury concern arrives after another productive MLS stretch for Messi, who has recorded 12 goals and eight assists in league play this season.
Inter Miami now enters a league break tied to the World Cup schedule, giving Messi additional time for recovery before international duty.
Fitness Concerns Follow Busy Schedule
Messi has dealt with previous hamstring-related issues during the 2026 season.
In February, Inter Miami confirmed that he sustained a strain in his left hamstring during preseason competition.
Despite the latest concern, neither Inter Miami nor Argentina officials have suggested that Messi’s World Cup availability is currently in doubt.
Further updates are expected after the club completes additional evaluations in the coming days.
