Inter Miami star Lionel Messi suffered muscle fatigue in his left hamstring when he called for a substitute during a 6-4 win over the visiting Philadelphia Union on Sunday, the club said on Monday.
“After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates a strain associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” Inter Miami said in a statement. “The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress.”
Messi was seen clutching his thigh before asking to be subbed in the 73rd minute and headed straight to the dressing room.
Messi’s illness comes about a week before Argentina begins preparing to defend its World Cup title during a training camp in Kansas City.
It is unclear whether Messi will have to miss something due to the overload. The Major League Soccer season has now entered its World Cup break and 38-year-old Messi could return to training with Argentina or may need to rest further before the matches start.
Argentina will play Algeria for its first group match on June 16 in Kansas City, Missouri. Messi and company will also face Austria and Jordan as part of Group J.
Messi helped Argentina win its first World Cup since 1986 and its third overall four years ago in Qatar. He won the Golden Ball for the best player of the tournament.
Published on May 26, 2026
