Lionel Messi was substituted during Inter Miami‘s recent Major League Soccer match due to “muscle fatigue” in his left hamstring, as confirmed by the club on Monday.
Concerns had arisen regarding a possible injury during Inter Miami’s thrilling 6-4 win against Philadelphia Union.
However, after medical assessments, the MLS club reported that it was merely “an overload associated with muscle fatigue.”
“His return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress,” Inter Miami stated.
Messi played a crucial role in the first half, assisting two of Miami’s four goals before he began to feel discomfort in the 73rd minute while taking a free-kick. He was promptly substituted in the team’s last match before the World Cup break.
After leaving the field, the 38-year-old went straight to the tunnel but appeared to be walking without issue.
“He really was fatigued,” remarked Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos about Messi’s condition post-game. “He was tired; the pitch was heavy, and when in doubt, the standard procedure is to avoid taking risks.”
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Messi has not officially declared his participation with the defending champions, Argentina in the upcoming World Cup starting June 11.
Nonetheless, he is anticipated to make his record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance, with the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Argentine squad is set to be announced next week, with their first match against Algeria on June 16.
Since joining Miami in 2023, the Barcelona icon and eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient has been mindful of his workload but has still faced periods of absence due to hamstring issues.
He boasts 12 goals and eight assists in 14 MLS matches this season, only one goal and assist behind the leaders in both categories, having previously scored 29 goals and provided 19 assists in 28 games during the 2025 regular season.