Lionel Messi Injured, Latest Updates on Inter Miami Star Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

Hold your collective breaths, Argentina fans.

Inter Miami superstar and Argentine legend Lionel Messi left Sunday's 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute with an apparent leg injury, just weeks before the start of this summer's World Cup.

Per ESPN's Lizzy Becherano, "The Inter Miami captain could be seen feeling the upper part of his left thigh in the 70th minute after taking a free kick. He immediately asked for a substitution and was replaced by Mateo Silvetti. Messi required no additional help when leaving the field or making his way to the locker room."

It was Inter Miami's final game before the upcoming break in the season due to the World Cup.

Messi, 38, has been expected to headline Argentina's World Cup roster as the country looks to repeat as champions. He played in 12 of the team's 18 qualifying games, scoring eight goals.

While Messi hasn't officially announced whether he'll play in this summer's World Cup, his presence would be most welcomed by Argentina.

"As far as I'm concerned, you already know where I stand. I'll do everything I can to make sure he's there," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni told reporters in late March. "I believe that, for the sake of football, he has to be there. It's not me who decides. It's up to him, his state of mind, his physical condition. It's difficult because it is not just the Argentinians who want to see him, everyone wants to see him," he said. I want him to be there. It's up to him to decide. He's earned the right to make that decision with peace of mind. We're in no rush about it. We know whatever he decides will be best for the team and for him. We hope he will be there."

Argentina is in a group with Algeria, Austria and Jordan and will kick off its title defense on June 16.

As for Messi, he remains dominant, with 12 goals and seven assists in 16 MLS matches for Inter Miami this season.