Lionel Messi was taken off during Inter Miami’s latest Major League Soccer fixture due to “muscle fatigue” in his left hamstring, the club confirmed on Monday.
The substitution had initially raised concerns that the 2022 World Cup winner may have sustained an injury during Inter Miami’s 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union.
However, the MLS side later said medical examinations had found no serious damage, describing the issue as “an overload associated with muscle fatigue”.
“The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress,” Inter Miami said.
Messi had assisted two of Miami’s four first-half goals on Sunday before grabbing his leg in the 73rd minute after taking a free-kick, prompting his immediate withdrawal in the team’s final match before the World Cup break.
The 38-year-old headed straight down the tunnel, although he appeared to be walking without visible difficulty.
“He really was fatigued,” Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said after the game when asked about Messi’s condition. “He was tired; the pitch was heavy and when in doubt, the standard approach is always to ensure you don’t take any risks.”
Messi has yet to officially confirm whether he intends to represent defending champions Argentina at the World Cup, which gets underway on 11 June.
Even so, he is widely expected to make a record-equalling sixth appearance at the tournament, which will be staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Argentina are expected to announce their squad next week, with their opening match against Algeria scheduled for 16 June.
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, the former Barcelona star and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has managed his playing time carefully, although hamstring problems have still forced him to miss periods of action.
Messi has recorded 12 goals and eight assists in 14 MLS appearances this season, leaving him just one behind the league leader in both categories, after finishing the 2025 regular season with a league-best 29 goals and 19 assists in 28 matches.
