How long will Lionel Messi last? Latest news, 2026 FIFA World Cup update on Argentina’s ’emotional’ injury and Inter Miami icon
Lionel Messi is tired of the muscle in his left hamstring and he has not lost the muscle in a way that is very important for the organizers of Argentina and the World Cup.
Messi limped off the back of his left leg during Inter Miami’s 6-4 win over Philadelphia on Sunday, leading to concerns that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s World Cup participation could be in jeopardy.
But Miami’s statement gave good news and Messi should be present for the first match between Argentina and Algeria on June 16.
The statement reads as follows: “The captain of Inter Miami CF had to leave the field yesterday, Sunday, May 24, when they faced Philadelphia Union, due to physical discomfort.
“After further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis shows congestion associated with muscle fatigue in the left muscle.
“The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical progress and performance.”
Argentina have two warm-up games, against Honduras and Iceland, but Messi will not risk it if he is not 100% fit.
What was the reaction like after the game?
Interim Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said Messi was “tired” on the rain-soaked pitch.
“Instead of doubting, always say don’t take risks,” added Hoyos, who saw Luis Suarez score a hat-trick, German Berterame twice and Rodrigo De Paul add another to a score sheet full of South Americans.
“I tried to see how he was doing after the game but I didn’t see him in the locker room,” said his teammate Mateo Silvetti. “I don’t know if he went with the doctor or went home.
“When he came out, we were all focused on the game, so I didn’t think it was because of injury or because of fatigue.”
Argentina World Cup schedule
Messi’s case happened three weeks before Argentina’s opening match against Algeria.
If they win their group, Argentina’s last 32 match will be held in Miami on July 3.
Argentina’s first World Cup schedule looks like this. Start times with an asterisk indicate the previous day.
| The day | They don’t oppose | BST | ET | PT | Location |
| Tuesday, June 16 | Algeria | 02:00* | 21:00 | 18:00 | Kansas |
| Monday, June 22 | In Austria | 18:00 | 13:00 | 10:00 | Arlington |
| Saturday, June 27 | Uruguay | 03:00* | 22:00 | 19:00 | Arlington |
Lionel Messi stats, injury history
Two-time MLS Player of the Year Messi has produced an impressive total of 12 goals and eight assists in 14 league games this season.
With 116 goals in 198 games for Argentina, Messi has 60 more goals than his country’s leading goalscorer, Gabriel Batistuta.
Miami and Argentina have had Messi miss a total of 30 games through injury since September 2023, most notably when he was ruled out for two months with an ankle injury during Argentina’s win over Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final.
Who can replace Lionel Messi Argentina?
While many consider Messi’s skills irreplaceable, the good news for Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni is that he has the ability to attack in the captain’s absence.
Scaloni was yet to name his team for the finals as Miami played their last game before the World Cup, but Julian Alvarez is likely to start, having scored 20 goals and provided nine assists in 49 games for Atletico Madrid this season, finding the net 10 times and scoring four goals in 15 Champions League appearances.
Lautaro Martinez has scored 22 goals in 41 games for Inter and the likes of Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and former Atleti schemer De Paul provide plenty of creativity behind the forward line.
However, Argentina came up short in their last competitive game without Messi, losing 1-0 to Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier in September.
