Lionel Messi Faces Left Hamstring Issue Ahead of Argentina’s World Cup Training

Miami’s Inter Miami has announced that Lionel Messi has a left hamstring problem. This issue emerged shortly before Argentina starts its training camp for their upcoming World Cup title defense. The recent developments may alter Argentina’s preparations.

Messi underwent testing on Monday, likely including an MRI, though the specifics were not shared, and was diagnosed with ‘an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.’ This condition prevented him from completing Inter Miami’s match against Philadelphia Union on Sunday night.

The recovery period for such issues varies based on severity, with Inter Miami stating, ‘The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress.’ Messi was substituted out of the match in the 73rd minute. He had ceased playing a few minutes earlier and was observed clutching his left leg before he left the field. Despite the discomfort, he walked off without assistance and headed directly to the locker room.

Inter Miami, the current MLS champion, won the game 6-4, with Messi contributing two assists in the first half. The second half was marked by heavy rain, potentially affecting the field’s condition. However, the team merely mentioned ‘physical discomfort’ as the reason for his substitution.

Argentina has scheduled two friendlies ahead of the World Cup. They will play on June 6 against Honduras at College Station, Texas, and on June 9 against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama. These matches will be held in substantial college football stadiums with a combined capacity of approximately 180,000.

For the World Cup, Argentina is in Group J. Their group stage matches are set against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16, Austria in Arlington, Texas, on June 22, and Jordan back in Arlington on June 27.

Messi has participated in five World Cups, winning the Golden Ball for the best player of the tournament twice, once in 2014 and again in 2022 when Argentina won the title. The award has been distributed since 1982, and Messi is the only player to have received it twice.