Lionel Messi diagnosed with left hamstring fatigue three weeks before World Cup | OneFootball

Lionel Messi has been diagnosed with overuse linked to muscular fatigue in his left hamstring, three weeks before Argentina’s opening match at the 2026 World Cup.

He left Sunday’s 6-4 MLS win at Philadelphia Union holding the back of his left thigh. The club said in a statement on Monday that tests produced a preliminary finding, and his return to physical activity will depend on how his condition evolves.

After the match, Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos played down the issue, saying Messi looked tired after playing on a heavy pitch.

The update did not mention a muscle tear or any serious injury, which would have been a major blow for the reigning world champions.

Since arriving in 2023, Messi has carefully managed his workload at Inter Miami, skipping matches during congested periods, and he has had hamstring issues that also interrupted Miami’s pre-season earlier this year.

He is therefore set to contest a sixth World Cup with Argentina, who face Algeria on 17 June at 3:00, Austria on 22 June at 19:00 and Jordan on 28 June at 4:00 in Group J of a tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Source: L'Équipe