Five Stories that Could Impact World Cup: USMNT Reveal Squad, Lionel Messi Injured, Plus England's Snubs
- Lionel Messi, 38, was diagnosed with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring on Monday after being forced off in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami's match against Philadelphia Union on Sunday, less than three weeks before the 2026 World Cup begins.
- The injury occurred when Messi clutched the back of his thigh after a free kick in the 73rd minute and immediately requested substitution, though Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos downplayed the concern afterward, saying Messi appeared fatigued after playing on a 'heavy' pitch.
- Medical tests revealed Messi suffered a small strain in his left hamstring described as a minor muscle fibre tear, according to ESPN, requiring between 10 and 14 days of recovery before Argentina's friendly against Honduras on June 6 in Texas.
- Concern quickly spread across Argentina when Messi was substituted with the World Cup less than 20 days away, though early reports indicate the injury will not be serious and Messi is expected to arrive at the tournament in top condition as the Albiceleste defend their crown.
- Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni included Messi in a provisional 55-man squad announced earlier this month, with the recovery timeline positioning him to be fully fit for Argentina's opening World Cup match against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City, where Group J opponents also include Austria and Jordan.
51 Articles
51 Articles
The World Cup begins in Canada, Mexico, and the United States in two weeks. Mexico and South Africa play the first match on June 11. We will keep you updated on all the latest news via this live blog!
With almost a dozen players among cottons, among them no less than Captain Lionel Messi, the champion of the world Argentina faces with utmost concern the countdown to define the squad that will play the World Cup in a few weeks. Messi, 38 years old, suffers an overload associated with muscle fatigue in the left ischiotibial, which prevented him from finishing the match with his Inter Miami team on Sunday night. The club has officially reported …
Less than three weeks before the start of the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi turns on the alarms in Argentina's selection, the current planetary monarch after obtaining his third title in Qatar 2022.On Sunday, the rosaryno came out in the second time (at 73 minutes) in the game in which his Inter Miami team scored a spectacular 6-4 to the Philadelphia Union squad for the Major League Soccer. The reason, a muscle nuisance that prevented Leo from fi…
Lionel Messi doubtful for FIFA World Cup? Argentine star leaves field with hamstring injury
Lionel Messi’s fitness has become a major concern for Argentina ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The 38-year-old picked up a hamstring injury during Inter Miami’s league game against Philadelphia and was forced to leave the field early. On Monday, the club issued an official statement, confirming that medical examinations revealed a problem in Messi’s left hamstring. The medical team described the issue as an "overload associated with musc…
North American club Inter Miami has announced the results of medical tests conducted following the injury suffered by star player Lionel Messi.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
