Lionel Messi Faces Injury Concerns Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Lionel Messi played his final game for Inter Miami CF on Sunday as the team secured a 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Union. The match was marked by challenging weather conditions, but the focus quickly turned to Messi. He left the field in the 73rd minute due to an apparent leg injury.

Messi was able to walk off on his own, which seemed encouraging. However, he signaled to the bench before being replaced by Mateo Silvetti and went directly to the locker room. The primary concern now is whether Messi will be fit for his potential sixth World Cup appearance with Argentina. His status remains uncertain with the tournament’s group stage beginning in about three weeks.

Impact on World Cup Participation

Before the injury, Messi’s odds of participating in the World Cup were above 95%, according to Polymarket, a prediction market. Following the incident, these odds decreased by six percent rapidly and might continue to fall based on the injury’s severity.

Argentina aims to defend its 2022 World Cup title, where Messi played a crucial role in their victory over France. This year, Argentina will compete in Group J against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.