Lionel Messi’s injury during Inter Miami’s match against Philadelphia Union sparked concern among Argentine fans just weeks before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Messi left the field in the 73rd minute after appearing to suffer muscular fatigue following a free-kick attempt. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos later stated that the player was only experiencing exhaustion due to the heavy playing surface.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is preparing to reduce his preliminary 55-man squad to 26 players ahead of the team’s title defense campaign.