Lionel Messi Suffers Left Leg Injury Scare Ahead Of FIFA World Cup 2026

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has sparked concern over his fitness after suffering an apparent left leg injury scare during Inter Miami CF’s 6-4 win against Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer on Sunday.

The 38-year-old forward requested a substitution in the 73rd minute after being seen clutching the back of his left leg . The match was his final MLS appearance before joining the Argentina national team camp ahead of the upcoming global tournament.

Despite the concern, Messi was later seen walking normally towards the dressing room, easing immediate fears of a serious injury. The match was played under wet and heavy pitch conditions due to rain in Miami, which added to player fatigue and difficulty.

Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos said the decision to take Messi off was purely precautionary , noting that the player appeared tired during the match. He added that no medical report had been received yet, but stressed that the substitution was made to avoid any unnecessary risk ahead of major fixtures.

The incident comes just weeks before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where Argentina are set to begin their campaign on June 16 against Algeria in a Group J fixture. The team will also be aiming to defend their title won in 2022.

Messi, who famously led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar 2022 , had previously faced a serious Achilles issue during his time at Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, raising concerns at that time as well.

The forward is expected to be named in Argentina’s squad later this week for what could be a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance , further adding to global attention on his fitness status. For now, officials and fans will be closely monitoring his condition in the lead-up to the tournament.