Argentina is holding its breath over the fitness of talisman Lionel Messi.
Olé, the Argentine sports journal, reports the 38-year-old icon is set to undergo further testing for an apparent hamstring injury after exiting Inter Miami’s 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute. Messi called for a substitution and walked off under his own power, but headed straight for the tunnel. Mateo Silvetti came on in his stead.
The match was Messi’s final Major League Soccer appearance before next month’s World Cup. Argentina, the holders, are set to open their campaign on June 16 against Algeria at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium. Jordan and Austria round out Group J.
Gaston Edul, a prominent Argentine journalist, reported on Monday that Messi felt his hamstring tighten and came off as a precaution.
Leo Messi pidió el cambio de manera preventiva porque se le cargó el isquiotibial.
— Gastón Edul (@gastonedul) May 25, 2026
No tiene lesión muscular. No siguió cargando la zona ni arriesgando. pic.twitter.com/YB8MZaO98H
There was no muscle injury and Messi simply did not want to chance anything.
Lionel Scaloni has yet to name his Albiceleste final squad and must do so before the June 1 deadline.
A native of Rosario, Messi has been capped 198 times by Argentina and would be embarking on his sixth World Cup. He’s made 14 appearances for the Herons this season, scoring 12 goals.
