Lionel Messi Injury Update: Inter Miami Coach Addresses World Cup Concerns

The highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup is now less than three weeks away. As the host nations prepare for the massive tournament, reigning champions Argentina are gearing up to begin their title defence on June 16 against Algeria in a Group J clash. The official Argentina World Cup squad is set to be fully revealed this week, bringing the excitement to a fever pitch.

All eyes are once again on the magical Lionel Messi, who was the undeniable hero of Argentina's spectacular 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar. When he takes the pitch for La Albiceleste in the upcoming tournament, Messi will be making a historic, record-equalling sixth appearance at the World Cup finals. However, a recent incident during domestic play has left fans around the globe holding their breath.

The alarm bells started ringing during Inter Miami's final league matchday before the start of the 2026 World Cup break. Inter Miami successfully defeated the Philadelphia Union in a 6-4 thriller at the Nu Stadium. Lionel Messi started the match in brilliant form, providing two assists in the victory.

However, the biggest concern following the match was the sight of Messi walking off the pitch with an apparent injury. In the 73rd minute, Messi was taken off the field and was seen visibly holding the back of his left leg. Rather than staying on the bench, Messi walked off the pitch and went straight to the locker room. With the World Cup so incredibly close, this sudden substitution deeply concerned fans worldwide.

Inter Miami Coach Provides Crucial Update

Following the match, Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos addressed Messi walking off the pitch during the post-match press conference and provided a brief update.
According to Hoyos, there is not yet an official medical report regarding Messi's physical condition following the clash against the Philadelphia Union. However, the head coach emphasised that Messi was fatigued, suggesting this influenced the decision to substitute him.

"From what I know now, there is no medical report on that. Soon, we will have him back, but clearly, he was fatigued... the pitch was heavy; when in doubt, what one always does is try not to take risks," Hoyos explained.

Hoyos also insisted that Messi did not communicate to him whether he was actually injured or not before heading down the tunnel. As fans and the Argentine national team anxiously wait, more definitive medical details are set to be revealed later this week.