Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi came off in the 73rd minute of their epic 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union on Sunday, sparking fears ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Messi had assisted two goals in a blistering first half that ended 4-4. He played for a few minutes before leaving the pitch in the second half.
The 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11, and the Argentine legend will want to be fit and ready for the tournament.
Argentine journalist Gaston Edul has allayed any fears that Messi could miss the World Cup, insisting that he came off as a precaution.
Messi requested the substitution as a precaution because his hamstring tightened up. He has no muscle injury and didn’t want to keep loading the area or taking risks.
Luis Suarez stole the show with a hat-trick, but Messi showed he still makes things tick for the attack.
Everyone will be keeping an eye on the 38-year-old to see how muscle fatigue evolves as MLS Cup play-off games approach.
Argentina’s hopes of retaining the World Cup crown still hinge heavily on Messi.
Even at this stage of his career, no player in world football dictates tempo, manipulates space and delivers decisive moments quite like him.
Lionel Scaloni has built a balanced, battle-tested squad, but Messi is the difference between Argentina being favourites and merely contenders.
The wider landscape also appears to favour La Albiceleste.
Spain are severely weakened, with both Lamine Yamal and Inaki Williams struggling with fitness, robbing them of the pace and unpredictability that make their attack so dangerous.
England look oddly constrained under Thomas Tuchel, whose conservative selections risk blunting one of the tournament’s deepest talent pools.
Brazil are still rebuilding, while Germany are inconsistent.
That leaves France as Argentina’s only genuine threat. Didier Deschamps’s squad possesses elite depth, devastating athleticism and match-winners across the pitch.
However, if Messi arrives in North America fully fit, Argentina will believe they can retain the title.
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