Lionel Messi leg injury clouds FIFA World Cup build-up after early exit in Inter Miami's last game

Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi was forced off in the 73rd minute of a thrilling 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Union on Sunday after appearing to suffer a left leg injury, raising immediate concern ahead of next month's FIFA World Cup. The incident occurred around the 70th minute when Messi was seen clutching the upper part of his left thigh after taking a free kick. He continued briefly but soon signaled to the bench for a substitution and was replaced by Mateo Silvetti before walking off and heading straight to the locker room in rainy conditions at Nu Stadium..

The Argentine superstar has been in outstanding form this MLS season, producing a league-leading 20 goal contributions with 12 goals and eight assists in just 14 matches. Across his Inter Miami career, Messi has now recorded 107 goal contributions in 67 appearances, including 62 goals and 45 assists.
Interim coach Guillermo Hoyos later described the issue as muscular fatigue, saying the substitution was made 'to avoid risks', suggesting the club is not currently viewing the problem as serious.



The timing of the scare comes just as MLS enters a six-week break ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins on June 11 and runs through July 19. Argentina enter this summer’s World Cup as reigning champions, looking to defend their crown after lifting the trophy in Qatar 2022. They will compete in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, with matches scheduled across the group stage in June. Argentina are scheduled to open their campaign on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City. They will also play warm-up friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9.

This year’s expanded 48-team format introduces a new structure in which the top two teams from each group advance directly to the knockout rounds, along with the eight best third-placed sides, increasing the margin for progression. Argentina are three-time World Cup winners, and Messi stands as the nation’s all-time great with a record 116 international goals in 198 appearances. His defining moment came at the 2022 World Cup, where he captained Argentina to glory in Qatar, culminating in a dramatic penalty shootout win over France in the final.

While Messi, 38, has not formally confirmed his participation in what would be a record sixth World Cup, he is widely expected to captain Lionel Scaloni’s squad again. He remains central to Argentina’s hopes. Despite the injury scare, Messi’s form has been exceptional, and he remains in contention for top MLS honors, including a potential third MVP award.