Lionel Messi Injury Scare Stuns Inter Miami Before World Cup

Lionel Messi left Inter Miami supporters holding their breath on Sunday night after the Argentine superstar walked off during a dramatic 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer.

The game had goals, heavy rain and nonstop drama, but everything changed in the 73rd minute when Messi grabbed the back of his left leg and asked to be substituted.

Fans went quiet as Messi walked straight down the tunnel while Inter Miami staff watched from the sideline with the World Cup only weeks away.

Messi appeared calm while leaving the pitch, though concern spread quickly online once clips of the moment started circulating. Argentina supporters know his recent injury record has not always been smooth, especially with recurring hamstring problems disrupting parts of his Inter Miami spell.

Argentina Wait Nervously for Medical Update

Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos attempted to cool fears after the match. He suggested the substitution was more precaution than panic.

According to Hoyos, Messi had been dealing with fatigue because of the heavy pitch and difficult weather conditions in Miami. To be fair, conditions looked brutal throughout the game. Players from both sides struggled for footing as rain hammered the field.

Still, nobody inside Argentina’s camp will relax until medical tests arrive.

The timing could hardly be worse. The FIFA World Cup 2026 opens in Mexico City on June 11, and Argentina begin their title defence against Algeria days later in Kansas City. Any setback involving Messi instantly changes the conversation around the tournament.

Inter Miami teammate Mateo Silvetti admitted players were unsure about the situation during the match itself. He said the squad only noticed Messi wanted to come off and hoped the issue was not serious.

The 38-year-old has carefully managed his schedule since arriving in MLS. Inter Miami staff regularly rested him during packed fixture periods to avoid overload. Even then, small muscle problems continued to appear now and then.

Now the focus turns toward Argentina’s upcoming squad announcement. Messi is widely expected to feature at what could become his sixth World Cup appearance, matching an all-time tournament record.

For now, though, the football world waits. And, one medical report could change the mood of an entire World Cup build-up overnight.