The Argentine National Team is closely monitoring the physical evolution of Lionel Messi after the muscle discomfort he suffered during Inter Miami's 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union in the MLS. Just over two weeks before the Albiceleste debut in the 2026 World Cup, the medical studies carried out on the captain brought partial peace of mind within the coaching staff headed by Lionel Scaloni.

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The Rosario forward underwent medical evaluations after leaving the match played at the Nu Stadium under heavy rain. According to sources from the Argentine team, the result confirmed a slight strain in the left hamstring, a small rupture of fibers that will require between 10 and 14 days of recovery.

The main concern arose from the calendar. Argentina will debut on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas and, before that commitment, will face two preparatory friendlies against Honduras and Iceland. Although there is still no official confirmation about his presence in those previous meetings, the diagnosis ruled out a serious injury.

During the match against Philadelphia, Messi asked for the substitution in the 72nd minute while holding the back of his left leg. The match was tied 4-4 when he left the field to be replaced by Mateo Silvetti. After leaving the field, he went directly to the locker room.

The Inter Miami coach, Guillermo Hoyos, referred to the situation at a press conference and avoided drawing conclusions before knowing the extent of the discomfort.

“I was really fatigued, in that sense it was fatigue,” explained the coach.

Scaloni remains attentive to various physical discomforts

Messi's situation is not the only focus of attention for the Argentine team in the run-up to the World Cup. Several footballers considered regular members of the team are also going through various physical problems as they seek to reach the tournament in good condition.

Among the players mentioned with discomfort are Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás González and Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez. The final list of 26 summoned must be presented before May 30.

After the match against Philadelphia Union, both Messi and Rodrigo De Paul concluded their participation with Inter Miami before joining the Albiceleste camp.

Argentina will play its last friendlies before the World Cup on June 6 against Honduras at Kyle Field in Texas and on June 9 against Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. Then the defense of the title obtained in Qatar will begin with the debut against Algeria.

The match against Philadelphia Union also represented Messi's last appearance with Inter Miami before joining the work under Scaloni, while the expectation surrounding his recovery keeps both the Argentine team and the tournament environment on alert.