Lionel Messi had to be substituted. © APA / MEGAN BRIGGS

Under pressure: Argentina is worried about Messi

Argentina is worried about superstar Lionel Messi just before the start of the World Cup. The eight-time World Player of the Year had to be substituted with an injury a quarter of an hour before the end of his club Inter Miami's last MLS game before the World Cup against Philadelphia Union (6-4).

25 May 2026

From: apa/dpa/reuters

Messi had grabbed his hamstring after a free kick. Miami did not release any further details regarding the nature and severity of the injury.

Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos said of the substitution: "Leo was exhausted and tired. The pitch was heavy. When in doubt, you try to avoid risks." It had rained heavily in Miami during the match. Before being substituted, Messi had set up two goals in the highest-scoring first half in MLS history. The 38-year-old has been in good form so far this season. In 14 league games, he has twelve goals and eight assists – the most in the league.

Lionel Messi had to be substituted. © APA/afp / CHANDAN KHANNA

Without Messi, Luis Suarez decided the game for Miami this time. The 39-year-old Uruguayan, who no longer plays for the national team and will therefore miss the World Cup, scored three goals. For the Florida team, it was their fourth consecutive victory in the North American professional league. Miami sits in second place in the Eastern Conference with 31 points.

Messi ahead of his sixth World Cup

The reigning world champions, whom Messi led to their third World Cup title four years ago in Qatar, will play their opening match of the tournament on June 17th CEST (3:00 AM) in Kansas City against Algeria. Whether Messi will be playing in his sixth World Cup in North America is not yet definitively confirmed, but it is a likely possibility.

The exceptional player is in the provisional squad of head coach Lionel Scaloni. The final squad is expected to be announced next weekend, shortly before the registration deadline on June 1st.