Will Messi miss FIFA World Cup? Inter Miami shares latest update on Argentina star’s injury

Tension was palpable among Argentina fans around the world as their icon and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi left the field during the match against Philadelphia Union on Sunday in the final Major League Soccer game at the Nu Stadium.

An apparent discomfort in his left leg forced Messi to ask for a substitution. He was replaced by Mateo Silvetti in the 73^rd minute, and was seen leaving the field and walking directly to the locker room. Inter Miami went on to win the match 6-4, with Messi providing two assists in the first half.

Messi underwent diagnostic tests on Monday, which likely included an MRI, though the club did not specify the exact procedures. Inter Miami later announced that Messi is dealing with a left hamstring problem, and described it as an "overload associated with muscle fatigue".

The second half of the game was played in heavy rain, which made the field slippery. It remains unclear whether Messi sustained the injury due to the wet surface. The club's official statement on Monday attributed his exit to "physical discomfort".

"The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress," Inter Miami said in a release.

The development comes just about a week before the reigning World Cup champions, Argentina, are set to begin their training camp.

Argentina have two friendly matches lined up before the World Cup. On June 6, they will face Honduras in College Station, Texas, followed by a match against Iceland on June 9 in Auburn, Alabama.

Argentina are in Group J. Their matches include: Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City; Austria on June 22 in Arlington, Texas; and Jordan on June 27, also in Arlington.

Messi has played in five World Cups and won the Golden Ball – awarded to the tournament's best player – in 2014 and again in 2022, when he led Argentina to their title win.