The Argentine national team and its fans received a wave of anxiety before the start of the 2026 World Cup, after the injury suffered by captain Lionel Messi during Inter Miami’s match against Philadelphia Union in the American League, a few weeks before the start of the campaign to defend the world title.
The match witnessed a moment that raised concerns within Argentine circles, when Messi asked to be substituted in the 72nd minute after feeling muscle discomfort in the posterior muscle of his left thigh, leaving the field amid great anticipation about his condition. Physical fitness.
Despite not completing the match, the Argentine star made his usual mark, after contributing two goals during the match, before he preferred not to risk it and leave the field directly to the dressing rooms, at a time when the result indicated an exciting draw with a score of 4-4.
Inter Miami later succeeded in resolving the confrontation with a score of 6-4, in a match that witnessed the brilliance of Luis Suarez by scoring three goals, while German Berterami scored two goals and Rodrigo De Paul added the sixth goal at the time. substitute.
The injury aroused the interest of the technical staff of the Argentine national team, which is closely monitoring developments in the condition of its captain, especially with the approaching announcement of the final roster participating in the World Cup.
Initial reports indicate that the pain began to appear after Messi executed one of the free kicks during the second half, before he decided to request a precautionary substitution to avoid aggravating the injury.
Although the player left the field without clear indications of a serious injury, his features were serious and he did not interact with the usual The fans during his exit increased the state of anxiety about his readiness for the World Cup.
For his part, Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos tried to allay fears, stressing that the team does not yet have a final diagnosis for the condition, pointing out that physical fatigue and the heavy pitch may be among the reasons that prompted the player to request a substitution.
This match is Messi’s last appearance with Inter Miami before joining the Argentine national team camp, which is preparing to defend the World Cup title that it achieved in Last edition.
According to Argentine press reports, recovery from a mild muscular injury in the posterior muscle may take about three weeks, which keeps the chances of Messi joining the start of the tournament alive, despite the possibility of him missing some of the final preparatory matches.
The Argentine sports street is awaiting the results of the medical examinations in the coming hours, hoping that the “Tango” captain’s injury will be limited, and that he will be present to lead his country in the journey to defend the world title during the World Cup. 2026.