Lionel Messi Exits Inter Miami Match with Left Hamstring Injury Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

Lionel Messi, the 38-year-old Argentine superstar and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, was substituted off the field during Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer (MLS) match against Philadelphia Union on May 24, 2026, due to an apparent left hamstring injury. The incident occurred in the 73rd minute of the game, with Messi clutching the back of his left leg and signaling to the bench for a substitution. Miami went on to win the match 6-4, but the focus shifted to Messi's condition as he headed straight for the tunnel without further interaction on the field.

Inter Miami’s head coach, Guillermo Hoyos, addressed the media after the match and described Messi’s condition as “fatigue,” though he confirmed that a medical report was pending. Hoyos emphasized that Messi had appeared tired, likely due to the demanding match conditions, including a heavy pitch. “As far as I know, we don’t have a medical report on that yet. We will have one shortly, but he was truly fatigued in that regard,” Hoyos told reporters. He further added, “It’s fatigue, fatigue… He was tired, the pitch was heavy, and when in doubt, what you always do is try to make sure he doesn’t take any risks.” The coach’s remarks did little to fully allay concerns, given Messi’s age and the impending FIFA World Cup 2026, which begins in just three weeks.