Lionel Messi suffers hamstring issue before Argentina's World Cup camp
Lionel Messi has suffered a left hamstring issue ahead of Argentina's World Cup title defence, leaving fans anxious over the fitness of their captain just days before training camp begins.
Lionel Messi has suffered a left hamstring issue just days before Argentina begin preparations for their FIFA World Cup title defence, raising fresh concerns over the fitness of their captain and talisman.
Inter Miami confirmed on Monday that Messi was diagnosed with an "overload associated with muscle fatigue" in his left hamstring after undergoing medical tests following the club's MLS clash against the Philadelphia Union.
The 38-year-old was forced off in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami's thrilling 6-4 win on Sunday, though signs of discomfort had appeared earlier. Messi was seen clutching the back of his left leg and had largely stopped moving freely before being substituted. He walked off the field unaided and headed straight to the dressing room.
Recovery timeline uncertain
Inter Miami did not provide a definitive timeline for Messi's recovery, saying his return would depend on his "clinical and functional progress". Hamstring issues can vary significantly in severity, with recovery periods ranging from a few days to several weeks depending on the extent of the strain.
Messi had played a key role before his withdrawal, registering two assists in the first half as Inter Miami held on for victory. Wet conditions in the second half made the pitch slippery, though it remains unclear whether the weather played any part in the injury.
Argentina face anxious wait
The timing is far from ideal for Argentina, who are set to open their training camp within days as they prepare to defend the World Cup crown they won in Qatar in 2022.
Lionel Scaloni's side have two friendly matches lined up before the tournament begins — against Honduras on June 6 in Texas and Iceland on June 9 in Alabama.
Argentina will then begin their Group J campaign against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City, before taking on Austria and Jordan in Arlington.
Messi's enduring World Cup legacy
Messi is set to feature in his sixth World Cup, extending one of the most remarkable international careers in football history. The Argentine icon remains the only player to win the Golden Ball twice, claiming the award in 2014 and again in 2022, when he inspired Argentina to a memorable triumph.
With the World Cup fast approaching, Argentina will now hope their captain's latest setback proves to be only a minor scare.
Lionel Messi has suffered a left hamstring issue just days before Argentina begin preparations for their FIFA World Cup title defence, raising fresh concerns over the fitness of their captain and talisman.
Inter Miami confirmed on Monday that Messi was diagnosed with an "overload associated with muscle fatigue" in his left hamstring after undergoing medical tests following the club's MLS clash against the Philadelphia Union.
The 38-year-old was forced off in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami's thrilling 6-4 win on Sunday, though signs of discomfort had appeared earlier. Messi was seen clutching the back of his left leg and had largely stopped moving freely before being substituted. He walked off the field unaided and headed straight to the dressing room.
Recovery timeline uncertain
Inter Miami did not provide a definitive timeline for Messi's recovery, saying his return would depend on his "clinical and functional progress". Hamstring issues can vary significantly in severity, with recovery periods ranging from a few days to several weeks depending on the extent of the strain.
Messi had played a key role before his withdrawal, registering two assists in the first half as Inter Miami held on for victory. Wet conditions in the second half made the pitch slippery, though it remains unclear whether the weather played any part in the injury.
Argentina face anxious wait
The timing is far from ideal for Argentina, who are set to open their training camp within days as they prepare to defend the World Cup crown they won in Qatar in 2022.
Lionel Scaloni's side have two friendly matches lined up before the tournament begins — against Honduras on June 6 in Texas and Iceland on June 9 in Alabama.
Argentina will then begin their Group J campaign against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City, before taking on Austria and Jordan in Arlington.
Messi's enduring World Cup legacy
Messi is set to feature in his sixth World Cup, extending one of the most remarkable international careers in football history. The Argentine icon remains the only player to win the Golden Ball twice, claiming the award in 2014 and again in 2022, when he inspired Argentina to a memorable triumph.
With the World Cup fast approaching, Argentina will now hope their captain's latest setback proves to be only a minor scare.
