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.

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Argentina travels to Asunción on Thursday for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Paraguay, with Lionel Messi and his teammates aiming to edge closer to securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following a dominant 6-0 win over Bolivia, where Messi scored a hat-trick and contributed two assists, the Albiceleste look to continue their strong qualification campaign. With just a few games remaining, Argentina needs to maintain momentum as they aim to finish at the top of the CONMEBOL standings, a feat they haven’t achieved in the past two qualifying cycles.

Paraguay’s Tough Defense

Paraguay, led by coach Gustavo Alfaro, is known for their resilient defense and will be looking to pull off an upset. The Albirroja are currently in a playoff position, having recently beaten Brazil and drawn with Uruguay. Their defense, though difficult to break down, has often resulted in low-scoring affairs—only seven goals have been scored across their last seven meetings with Argentina, including two goalless draws. However, Paraguay’s solid defensive record makes them a formidable opponent at home, where they have been tough to beat.

How to Watch & Odds:

• Date: Thursday, November 14
• Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción, Paraguay
• Stream: Fanatiz
• Odds:
  • Paraguay +450
  • Draw +250
  • Argentina -150

Argentina’s Road to the 2026 World Cup

With a 6-0 victory over Bolivia, Argentina sits comfortably at the top of the qualification table. They are three points ahead of Colombia, and their solid away form (10 points from five matches) has been crucial in their quest for World Cup qualification. With Argentina’s position looking strong, a win in Paraguay would bring them even closer to securing a berth in the 2026 World Cup.

Team News:

• Paraguay: Coach Alfaro has a consistent squad, with many players based in Argentina’s top leagues. Antonio Sanabria has been in good form, scoring twice in Paraguay’s recent win over Venezuela, while Miguel Almirón, Julio Enciso, and Ramón Sosa are still fighting for more minutes to regain their rhythm.Possible Paraguay XI:
  • Fernandez; Caceres, Gomez, Alderete, Balbuena, Alonso; Cubas, Gomez; Almiron, Sanabria, Enciso.
• Argentina: Enzo Fernandez may not start due to his limited playing time at Chelsea, while Giovani Lo Celso is fit again and could replace Lautaro Martínez in the starting lineup. Emiliano Martínez returns from suspension, taking over from Gerónimo Rulli in goal.Possible Argentina XI:
  • E. Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Tagliafico; De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Lo Celso, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez.

Prediction:

While Argentina is poised to qualify, Paraguay’s strong defense at home could pose a real challenge. This match is expected to be tight, with Paraguay possibly edging out a narrow win. A draw is also a possibility, but it feels like the home side may pull off a surprise.

Pick: Paraguay 1, Argentina 0.

Source

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