By Our Correspondent
National News – Argentina captain Lionel Messi has raised fresh injury fears ahead of the 2026 World Cup after he was substituted during Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer clash against Philadelphia Union on Sunday in Miami.
The 38-year-old forward appeared to clutch the back of his left leg in the 73rd minute before requesting a substitution.
The match was played under wet and heavy pitch conditions, which reportedly affected player movement and fatigue levels.
According to reports from BBC Sport, Messi walked off the pitch unaided and proceeded straight to the tunnel, reducing immediate fears of a severe injury.
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos later stated that the decision to withdraw the Argentine star was precautionary.
Hoyos explained that Messi showed signs of fatigue rather than a serious muscular tear, adding that the technical team chose not to risk further strain given his injury history.
Messi, who has managed recurring hamstring issues since joining Inter Miami in 2023, remains a key figure for Argentina as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup, where he is expected to make a record-equalling sixth appearance.
The incident has triggered widespread concern among fans and analysts, as Argentina closely monitors his fitness before final squad selection.
With the tournament approaching, any setback could significantly affect the team’s attacking strength and leadership.
Medical assessments are expected to determine the severity of the discomfort, while club and national team officials coordinate his recovery plan.
Analysts say the timing of the scare is concerning for Argentina, who rely heavily on Messi’s creativity and leadership in major tournaments.
With the World Cup squad deadline approaching, medical staff are expected to conduct further scans to rule out any hamstring damage.
Inter Miami are also likely to manage his minutes carefully in upcoming MLS fixtures to prevent recurrence.
Supporters remain hopeful that the issue is minor, but any confirmed injury could force tactical adjustments for both club and country in the coming weeks.
Further updates are awaited as medical teams continue monitoring his condition closely before official reports.
