Worries before the start of the World Cup
Argentina fears for Messi after substitution
May 25, 2026 – 8:51 a.mReading time: 1 min.
Lionel Messi has to leave the field early in the last league game before the World Cup. Inter Miami is still leaving it open how serious the injury is.
Shortly before the start of the World Cup, defending champion Argentina is worried about Lionel Messi. The 38-year-old had to be substituted with an injury in his club Inter Miami’s last game before the World Cup – the club initially did not provide any information about the severity of the injury. The attacker grabbed his back thigh after a free kick.
Head coach Guillermo Hoyos explained it with the high pressure during the game: “Leo was exhausted and tired. The pitch was deep. When in doubt, you try to avoid risks.” It rained heavily during the game.
Suárez’s three-pack brings victory for Miami
Before being substituted, Messi had prepared two goals – in the highest-scoring first half in MLS history, the score was 4-4 in the game against Philadelphia Union. Messi has twelve goals and eight assists in 14 games this season. The world star has not yet commented on his participation in the World Cup, and Argentina has not yet announced its squad. The defending champions start the tournament on June 16th in Kansas City against Algeria.
Thanks to three goals from Luis Suárez, Miami was able to win the game 6-4. The 39-year-old Uruguayan no longer plays for the national team and will miss the World Cup. It was Miami’s fourth win in a row. The team is in second place in the Eastern Conference with 31 points – two points behind Nashville SC.
