Argentina fans were left concerned after captain Lionel Messi appeared to struggle with a hamstring issue during an Inter Miami match just weeks before the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The 38-year-old forward, who inspired Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, was seen leaving the field with discomfort, raising fresh questions about his fitness ahead of what is expected to be his sixth World Cup appearance.
Inter Miami later confirmed that Messi is dealing with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.
The club said medical tests showed an overload injury and added that his return would depend on how well he responds during recovery.
What Did Lionel Scaloni Say About Messi’s Injury?
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni tried to calm fears surrounding Messi’s condition and suggested that the situation may not be as serious as initially feared.
Speaking to DSports, Scaloni said the early reports were “not so bad” and explained that the team would closely monitor Messi’s recovery in the coming days.
He admitted that the coaching staff would have preferred the injury not to happen at such a crucial stage, but stressed that the priority remains ensuring every player reaches the World Cup fully fit.
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Scaloni also mentioned that a few Argentine players are still recovering from different physical issues, making player fitness a key focus before the tournament begins.
“The first news is not so bad,” Scaloni said in an interview broadcast Tuesday on DSports. “Naturally, we would rather nothing had happened, but now we have to wait and see how he progresses.”
“Most of the players who had problems are not fully recovered yet, and our goal is for everyone to arrive in the best possible condition,” the coach said.
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What Injury Has Lionel Messi Suffered?
According to Inter Miami, Messi is dealing with an overload linked to muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.
While the club did not provide a fixed recovery timeline, the statement suggested that doctors will decide his return based on his progress during rehabilitation.
Hamstring injuries are often treated carefully, especially in older players, and Argentina’s medical staff is expected to avoid taking unnecessary risks with their captain.
When Will Messi Play Next?
For now, Messi’s club season commitments are over.
Inter Miami CF are scheduled to return to action on July 23, but before that, Messi is expected to join Argentina’s World Cup preparation camp in Buenos Aires.
It remains unclear whether he will train normally with the squad or continue working separately while recovering.
Argentina supporters will be hoping he regains full fitness before the World Cup opener.
Which teams is Argentina facing in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Defending champions Argentina have been placed in Group J of the FIFA World Cup 2026.Argentina will begin their campaign against Algeria on June 16 before taking on Austria five days later. Their final group-stage match will be against Jordan on June 27.