Messi Suffers Hamstring Fatigue But Should Be Ready for World Cup

Lionel Messi expected to be fit for World Cup, says Romano

Lionel Messi has been diagnosed with left hamstring fatigue, but Inter Miami and reports say he should be fit for the World Cup starting.

The 38-year-old left Inter Miami’s win over Philadelphia with hamstring fatigue, but is expected to join Argentina for their title defense. 

  

Lionel Messi is expected to be fit for the World Cup after Inter Miami confirmed he is dealing with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. The news came just weeks before the tournament, following medical tests on Monday.

Inter Miami’s statement did not give a specific timeline for the Argentine’s return. Messi left the pitch in the 73rd minute during Sunday’s 6-4 win over Philadelphia.

The 38-year-old clutched the back of his left leg before asking to be substituted. Despite the scare, he walked off the field normally on his way to the locker room.

“After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” Inter Miami said in a statement.

“The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress.”

The club update offered little clarity on the condition of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner as Argentina gears up to defend its title. The World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, begins on June 11th.

However, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported that Messi is expected to be fit and ready for the tournament.

Argentina open their World Cup campaign five days later with a match against Algeria in Kansas City.

Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has had his playing time managed carefully. The club staff have often rested him during busy fixture schedules.

🚨 BREAKING: Lionel Messi suffers from discomfort but no serious injury ahead of the World Cup, tests confirm.

Messi, set to be available for Argentina. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/4pWhZjV2FS

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 25, 2026

MLS is currently on a break for the World Cup.

Messi has not publicly confirmed his participation, but he is widely expected to return for a sixth World Cup. That would equal the record for most appearances at the finals.

Argentina will announce their squad next week. The team is set to travel to the United States for warm-up friendlies against Honduras on June 6th and Iceland on June 9th.