Lionel Messi Suffers Worrying Injury 18 Days From World Cup
Lionel Messi was unable to finish his final outing before the 2026 World Cup, leaving Inter Miami's match against the Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute before his side went on to win 6–4 on Sunday night.
Messi appeared to call towards Miami's bench and signal his need for a substitution, grabbing the back of his leg after taking a free-kick. He quickly made his way off the field before storming down the players' tunnel and into the locker rooms at Miami's new Nu Stadium.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner did not score in the record-breaking 4–4 first half, which marked the most goals scored in an opening half in MLS history. At the time he left the game, no goals had been scored in the second half-before longtime teammate Luis Suárez scored the game-winning goal for his hat-trick in the 81st minute and Argentine teammate Rodrigo De Paul scored in the 93rd minute.
Messi is headed straight to the locker room after getting subbed out in the 73rd minute pic.twitter.com/BIpKA4M3TW
- FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 25, 2026
While there has been no official update on his status, there will undoubtedly be concern for the 38-year-old, who sustained the injury just 18 days before the World Cup. After the match, he and teammate Rodrigo De Paul were expected to join Argentina's pre-tournament training camp, having already taken on additional workouts to prepare for the tournament, alongside their usual Inter Miami regimen.
Messi, who will turn 39 midway through the tournament, has not yet verbally committed to the World Cup. Previously, he has cited his health and fitness as reasons for potentially skipping the tournament, which would make his last World Cup match the title-winning moment over France in Qatar four years ago.
Argentina and manager Lionel Scaloni have yet to announce the World Cup 26-man roster. Still, they are expected to have a strong idea of it ahead of friendlies against Honduras and Iceland on June 6 and June 9, before the World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16.
Messi's Tournament Injury History
Messi's World Cup presence is not yet in doubt. Still, he was injured in the last major international tournament, the 2024 Copa América, where he was limited to 66 minutes in the final as Argentina prevailed over Colombia to win the title. As a team, Argentina would remain a contender without Messi, but would lack one of the world's greatest talents.
This season, the back-to-back MLS MVP and the favorite to win the 2026 award, has 13 goals and seven assists in 16 games across all competitions and is enjoying outstanding form with the World Cup on the horizon.
This story will be updated.
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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 9:28 PM.