Inter Miami provided an update on Lionel Messi after the 38-year-old was substituted Sunday against the Philadelphia Union due to physical discomfort. Following further tests Monday, the club said Messi’s initial diagnosis showed “overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” with his return to activity dependent on his “clinical and functional progress.”
Lionel Messi has sparked major injury fears just weeks before the 2026 World Cup after asking to come off during Inter Miami's chaotic 10-goal thriller against Philadelphia Union. The Argentina captain headed straight for the tunnel with a suspected muscle issue, prompting the Herons boss to deliver a crucial update on his star player's fitness.
Inter Miami came from behind in a frenetic 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Union but suffered a major injury scare when Lionel Messi exited in the second half. Luis Suarez scored three as Miami showed resilience in the second-highest scoring match in MLS history. Attention now turns to Messi’s health with fewer than three weeks until the World Cup.