Inter Miami CF announced on Monday that Lionel Messi is experiencing muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, which caused him to exit Sunday’s match against the Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute.
“After further medical examinations today, it appears to be an overload related to muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” detailed a statement from Inter Miami. “The timeline for his return to play will be determined by his clinical and functional recovery.”
The team captain requested a substitution following a free kick during what was the team’s last match preceding the World Cup break.
Messi was observed grabbing at the top of his left thigh before signaling for a substitution and walked directly to the locker room. He was replaced by Mateo Silvetti.
He left the field without requiring assistance.
At the time of Messi’s departure, the game was tied 4-4, but Miami went on to score two more goals to secure the victory and position themselves second in the Eastern Conference as they head into Major League Soccer’s extended break during the World Cup.
“To my knowledge, we don’t have a full report yet, but he was indeed fatigued. It was muscle fatigue,” Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos commented after the game. “Yes, he was tired, the pitch was heavy, and when in doubt, you have to avoid taking unnecessary risks.”
The Argentina national team is preparing to face Algeria, Austria, and Jordan in Group J of the World Cup. Additionally, they will hold two friendly matches before the tournament against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9.
The defending champions will begin the summer tournament on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City, Missouri. Coach Lionel Scaloni has yet to disclose the 26-player World Cup roster.
Messi has participated in five World Cups, earning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player on two occasions: in 2014 and again in 2022, when he helped lead Argentina to victory. He remains the only player to have won this award, which has been presented since 1982, twice.