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Rabat – Lionel Messi gave Argentina a major scare ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup on Sunday night after leaving the pitch with a leg injury during Inter Miami’s 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Union.
The 38-year-old captain requested a substitution in the 73rd minute, sparking immediate fitness concerns just three weeks before Argentina begin their title defense.
Despite the injury scare, Messi looked comfortable as he left the game. After asking to be substituted, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner walked normally down the tunnel and straight into the locker room.
Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos later calmed fears by explaining that Messi’s substitution was just a safety measure, noting that the Argentina veteran was simply tired and that the wet, heavy field conditions in Miami made it wiser to take him off early.
“As far as I know, we don’t have a [medical] report on that yet, but he really was fatigued,” Hoyos said during the post-match press conference.
“He was tired; the pitch was heavy and when in doubt, the standard approach is always to ensure you don’t take any risks.” he added.
Messi is fully expected to play in the upcoming World Cup, a move that would mark his record-tying sixth appearance at the finals.
While he has not yet formally confirmed his plans, The Argentina Captain is anticipated to lead the defending champions when the tournament begins on June 11 across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Argentina will announce its final tournament squad next week, just ahead of their opening match against Algeria on June 16.
