Here is the latest injury update on Lionel Messi for Argentina ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina fans have been handed a major boost after Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos played down fears over Lionel Messi’s fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Messi sparked concern during Inter Miami’s MLS clash against Philadelphia Union after asking to be substituted in the 72nd minute. The Argentine captain appeared to hold the back of his left thigh before leaving the pitch and heading straight to the dressing room, a moment that immediately raised fears of a possible injury.
The timing of the incident caused even more anxiety, with the 2026 World Cup just around the corner and Argentina preparing to defend the title they won in Qatar. However, Hoyos moved quickly to calm those fears after the match, insisting that Messi’s withdrawal was not linked to any confirmed injury.
According to the Inter Miami manager, the decision to take Messi off was purely precautionary as the 38-year-old was dealing with fatigue after a demanding game.
“We have no information indicating any injury. He was truly fatigued; it was just fatigue,” Hoyos said after the match.
When asked again if there was any concern about a possible muscle problem, the Inter Miami boss maintained that Messi was simply tired and that the condition of the pitch also played a part in the decision.
“He was tired, and the pitch was heavy. When in doubt, it’s always best not to take risks,” he added.
The match against Philadelphia was Messi’s final outing for Inter Miami before linking up with the Argentina national team ahead of the World Cup. Argentina are scheduled to begin their campaign against Algeria on June 16, making Messi’s fitness one of the biggest talking points around Lionel Scaloni’s squad.
For now, the latest update is positive. Messi has not been diagnosed with an injury, and his substitution appears to have been a precautionary move rather than a major fitness setback.