Argentina's hopes of defending their World Cup crown received a jolt on Sunday when Lionel Messi was forced off with an injury during Inter Miami's MLS clash, but head coach Lionel Scaloni has moved quickly to reassure fans, calling the issue "not that bad." The 38-year-old superstar's fitness is under the microscope with the World Cup opening in just over two weeks, making every setback a source of national anxiety.
The incident took place in the 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union, where Messi appeared uncomfortable on a heavy pitch and asked to be substituted. Inter Miami's subsequent medical evaluation diagnosed the problem as muscle fatigue in the left hamstring—a condition that, while not catastrophic, raises concern given Messi's age and the physical demands of a World Cup campaign.
Inter Miami's official statement on Monday provided little clarity, noting only that "the timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress." This vague prognosis frustrated supporters but was consistent with the club's cautious approach to managing their most prized asset since his arrival in 2023.
Scaloni, who watched the match from the Argentine Football Association's headquarters, spoke to DSports on Tuesday with a sense of relief that Messi made the prudent decision to leave the pitch. "Obviously we would have preferred that nothing had happened," he said, "but one has to wait and see how it evolves and above all the new tests they are going to conduct in order to see if it confirms their original diagnosis." He added that the forward's self-awareness likely prevented a more serious injury.
The timing of the scare is particularly delicate. With Scaloni due to name his final World Cup squad next week, all eyes are on the additional tests that could determine whether Messi's involvement in the tournament opener is at risk. Argentina's medical team will collaborate with Inter Miami's staff to assess the extent of the fatigue and formulate a recovery plan.
Messi's importance to Argentina cannot be overstated. Four years ago in Qatar, he ended his international trophy drought in dramatic fashion, scoring seven goals and providing three assists to win the Golden Ball as Argentina lifted the trophy. At 38, he is no longer the explosive force of his youth, but his vision and goal-scoring instinct remain peerless. His potential absence would force Scaloni to reconfigure an attack that has been built around him for over a decade.
Argentina's World Cup schedule offers little room for error. The opening match against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City is followed by a clash with Austria on June 22 and a group finale against Jordan on June 28. Before that, Scaloni's men will play friendlies against Honduras and Iceland on June 6 and 9, providing only minimal chances to test combinations without their captain.
The injury also raises broader questions about Messi's ability to sustain high performance across an entire tournament at an advanced age. Throughout his time in MLS, Inter Miami has carefully managed his minutes, often resting him during congested stretches. That management has been crucial in preserving his longevity, but a World Cup demands a higher intensity and frequency that might push those limits.
Should Messi participate, he would match the record for most World Cup appearances with six, joining a select group that includes his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. While he has not formally announced his intention to play, all indications from the Argentina camp suggest he will be on the plane to the United States.
Scaloni's calm public stance may reflect the initial medical feedback, but the true test will come when the new scans are completed. The coach and his staff are acutely aware that even a minor hamstring issue can deteriorate under the stress of competitive matches. Argentina's title defense likely hinges on Messi's right leg being as sharp as his left.
In the coming days, the football world will watch anxiously as one of the game's greatest prepares to overcome yet another physical hurdle. For now, the reigning champions and their supporters cling to Scaloni's reassurances that this latest scare will not derail their quest for consecutive crowns.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.
