BREAKING: Inter Miami issues key update on Messi's injury

According to Inter Miami, Lionel Messi experienced left hamstring strain due to excessive load after the 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union, sending alarm bells ringing through the Argentina camp with the 2026 World Cup approaching.

Inter Miami has confirmed Argentine star Lionel Messi suffered a left hamstring issue after the dramatic 6-4 triumph over Philadelphia Union, fueling significant worry for Argentina's national team on the eve of the 2026 World Cup.

In an official statement released on May 26, Inter Miami revealed that the Argentine superstar is experiencing muscle overload and fatigue in his left hamstring and remains under medical observation. The MLS club stated: "Following further examinations, preliminary results indicate that Lionel Messi has a muscle overload due to fatigue in his left hamstring. His return timeline will depend on his recovery progress."

Messi encountered trouble in the 73rd minute during the wild contest against Philadelphia Union. After executing a free kick, the Inter Miami captain clutched his hamstring area and promptly requested a substitution, then headed straight to the dressing room.

Even without requiring medical assistance, the sight of Messi hobbling off the pitch still sent shivers down Argentina fans' spines, especially with the 2026 World Cup just under three weeks away.

When Messi exited, the game was tied at 4-4. Nevertheless, Inter Miami managed to add two more goals, ending the ten-goal shootout with a 6-4 win, climbing to second place in the MLS Eastern Conference ahead of the World Cup hiatus.

Manager Guillermo Hoyos also acknowledged after the game that the 38-year-old superstar was physically overworked: "It's fatigue. Messi was extremely drained. The field was heavy and we didn't want to risk it," the Argentine tactician shared.

Argentina will kick off their quest to defend the World Cup title with a match against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City. Prior to that, Lionel Scaloni's side has two friendly fixtures lined up against Honduras and Iceland.

Messi has appeared in five World Cups and stands as the only player in history to have claimed the World Cup Golden Ball award twice, in 2014 and 2022.