Lionel Messi injury scare as ‘fatigued’ Argentina star signals to come off in final Inter Miami game ahead of 2026 World Cup
By Tom Masters
Updated 25/05/2026 at 12:34 GMT+1
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Lionel Messi was taken off early in Inter Miami’s final MLS match before the FIFA World Cup after he signalled to come off, prompting fears of an injury.
Inter Miami manager provides update on 'fatigued' Messi
Video credit: SNTV
The Argentina international was replaced in the 73rd minute of his side’s Major League Soccer clash with Philadelphia Union, and he went straight down the tunnel in a move that will have concerned national team coach Lionel Scaloni.
Inter Miami won a ding-dong thriller 6-4, with Messi assisting his side’s first and third goals.
But there were extreme downpours midway through the second half, and several players slipped on the greasy surface.
One of those players was Messi, who slipped in the 62nd minute before indicating to the bench moments later to take him off.
The concerning part was when he did leave the field, he went straight down the tunnel, rather than taking his place on the bench.
But, it would appear that Argentina fans and Scaloni can relax somewhat, as Messi was not injured, but merely "fatigued", and him coming off was so as "not to take the risk".
Speaking after the game, Inter Miami interim manager Guillermo Hoyos said: "As far as I know, we don't have a report on that yet, but he really was fatigued.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
"It was fatigue. He was tired, the field was heavy, and rather than doubt, one always says not to take the risk."
Messi did not require any extra assistance when coming off the field, and so it does indeed appear that his early shower was nothing more than precautionary.
The 38-year-old had previously indicated his desire to play in the World Cup this summer, representing his nation at what could be a record sixth tournament, tied with his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
But he also made it clear that he would only make himself available for the tournament if he felt he was at the right fitness levels.
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Both Messi and compatriot Rodrigo De Paul have been undergoing additional fitness sessions to ensure they are in peak physical condition for their title defence.
Messi has 13 goals at World Cups, seven of which came in the 2022 tournament, in which Argentina defeated France on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Scaloni is due to name his Argentina squad on June 1, with the competition getting underway on June 11.
Argentina are first in action on June 17, when they take on Algeria in Kansas City.
They then face Austria on June 22 in Texas, before their final group match against Jordan on June 28, also in Texas.
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Lionel Messi finally lifted the World Cup in 2022.
Image credit: Getty Images
Messi’s form for Inter Miami will certainly have given fans reasons to believe he can lead the country to their fourth World Cup crown.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has 12 goals and eight assists in 14 MLS matches this campaign, numbers that will certainly have Scaloni optimistic about his captain.
Understandably, there will be nationwide concern over his early departure against Philadelphia, but it would appear it was Messi’s final piece of preparation to keep himself fit for the tournament.
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