Messi Injury Update: Scaloni Hopes Tests Confirm Minor Hamstring Issue

Scaloni relieved as Messi hamstring injury looks minor ahead of World Cup

Inter Miami diagnosed muscle fatigue after Messi left early vs Philadelphia. Argentina open World Cup vs Algeria on June 16.

The 38-year-old is still Argentina’s talisman despite missing time with hamstring fatigue. Squad announcement due next week...

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said the first update on Lionel Messi’s fitness was “not that bad” and is hoping further tests will confirm it, with the World Cup only two weeks away.

Inter Miami diagnosed Messi with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring after he left the pitch early during Sunday’s 6-4 win over Philadelphia in the 73rd minute.

At 38 and preparing for a potential sixth World Cup, Messi is still Argentina’s talisman as they look to defend the title they won in Qatar four years ago.

“Obviously we would have preferred that nothing had happened,” Scaloni told Argentinian TV station DSports on Tuesday.

“Now one has to wait and see how it evolves and above all the new tests they are going to conduct in order to see if it confirms their original diagnosis.”

Scaloni said he watched the game on TV at the federation’s headquarters and felt relieved when Messi signaled to be substituted. The Argentina coach is set to announce his World Cup squad next week.

After the match, Inter manager Guillermo Hoyos said Messi was tired, the pitch was heavy, and no one wanted to risk his fitness.

Inter Miami issued a statement on Monday saying: “The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress.”

The statement offered little clarity on the condition of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Argentina will start their World Cup campaign on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City.

They face Austria on June 22, and finish their Group J schedule against Jordan on June 28.

 

Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has had his playing time managed carefully, with club staff often resting him during busy stretches of fixtures.

MLS has paused its season for the World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Messi hasn’t officially said he’ll play in the World Cup, but he’s expected to return for what would be a record-tying sixth appearance at the tournament.

His longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, and possibly Mexico’s goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, are also in line for a sixth World Cup appearance.

Argentina have two pre-World Cup friendlies lined up against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9, both taking place in the United States.