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Inter Miami CF played the Philadelphia Union on Sunday night in their final match before the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins in less than three weeks.
While Miami secured a 6-4 victory in wet and rainy conditions, the main storyline was 38-year-old Lionel Messi leaving the match in the 73rd minute with an apparent hamstring or leg concern.
The brief injury scare raised questions about his status for what could be his sixth World Cup appearance with Argentina, a historic milestone he has yet to officially decide on.
However, according to reports from journalists such as Doble Amarilla and The Touchline, post-match testing revealed no serious injury. Instead, the issue was diagnosed as muscle fatigue, easing concerns about his availability for the tournament and upcoming World Cup friendlies.
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Soccer fans and supporters of Lionel Messi were relieved by the latest update, as this could very well be his final appearance at a 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“The whole world just heaved a sigh of relief. The GOAT is fine. We are all fine,” one fan said.
Another added, “If Messi were to get injured now, FIFA would postpone the World Cup. Because what’s a World Cup tournament without the GOAT.”
A separate fan simply wrote, “Best news.”
“The universe is happy again. A 2026 World Cup without Messi, who is the face of football, would not make sense,” another supporter said.
One more commented, “Thank goodness. We have a World Cup to defend.”
Inter Miami’s Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates a goal during a Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season football match between Inter Miami CF and Orlando City SC at NU Stadium in Miami, on May 2, 2026. (Photo by Giorgio Viera / AFP via Getty Images)
Argentina are looking to defend their World Cup title, which they won in 2022 in a dramatic final against France. They are set to compete in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.
They will begin group play on June 16 with a matchup against Algeria, scheduled for a 9 p.m. ET start.
More news: Concerning Lionel Messi Development Emerges Ahead of World Cup
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While Miami secured a 6-4 victory in wet and rainy conditions, the main storyline was 38-year-old Lionel Messi leaving the match in the 73rd minute with an apparent hamstring or leg concern.
The brief injury scare raised questions about his status for what could be his sixth World Cup appearance with Argentina, a historic milestone he has yet to officially decide on.
However, according to reports from journalists such as Doble Amarilla and The Touchline, post-match testing revealed no serious injury. Instead, the issue was diagnosed as muscle fatigue, easing concerns about his availability for the tournament and upcoming World Cup friendlies.
More news: World Cup Ticket Prices Plunge for USMNT Games
More news: Ronaldo Rules the Rich List: The Top 5 Highest-Paid Athletes Revealed
Soccer fans and supporters of Lionel Messi were relieved by the latest update, as this could very well be his final appearance at a 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“The whole world just heaved a sigh of relief. The GOAT is fine. We are all fine,” one fan said.
Another added, “If Messi were to get injured now, FIFA would postpone the World Cup. Because what’s a World Cup tournament without the GOAT.”
A separate fan simply wrote, “Best news.”
“The universe is happy again. A 2026 World Cup without Messi, who is the face of football, would not make sense,” another supporter said.
One more commented, “Thank goodness. We have a World Cup to defend.”
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Inter Miami’s Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates a goal during a Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season football match between Inter Miami CF and Orlando City SC at NU Stadium in Miami, on May 2, 2026. (Photo by Giorgio Viera / AFP via Getty Images)
Argentina are looking to defend their World Cup title, which they won in 2022 in a dramatic final against France. They are set to compete in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.
They will begin group play on June 16 with a matchup against Algeria, scheduled for a 9 p.m. ET start.
More news: Concerning Lionel Messi Development Emerges Ahead of World Cup
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