Argentine soccer superstar Lionel Messi is nursing a hamstring injury with less than three weeks remaining until the World Cup kicks off, his club Inter Miami announced Monday following his early exit from what was expected to be his last match before the international tournament.
The 38-year-old star was substituted out of Sunday’s high-scoring 6-4 Major League Soccer win against the Philadelphia Union during the 73rd minute after he grabbed the back of his leg following a free kick attempt.
“After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” Inter Miami said in a statement.
“The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress.”
Inter Miami’s head coach Guillermo Hoyos minimized concerns following the game, suggesting Messi looked tired after competing on what he described as a “heavy” playing surface.
The Major League Soccer season is now on break for the World Cup tournament, scheduled to take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 through July 19.
Argentina’s national team coach Lionel Scaloni has named the eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient to a preliminary 55-player roster released this month, with the title-defending squad set to face Algeria in Kansas City on June 16 for their tournament opener.
Messi served as captain when Argentina claimed their third World Cup championship in Qatar during 2022 and is anticipated to once again lead the national team in what may mark his sixth World Cup appearance.
