Lionel Messi Return Date Announced After Getting Injured Just Days Before World Cup

Last night, Lionel Messi caused concern among Argentina fans as he walked off the pitch while holding on to the back of his leg. Many believed Messi suffered a hamstring injury.

Messi asked to be substituted off the pitch, and in the 73rd minute during the Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union match in the MLS, Messi was replaced by Mateo Silvetti and walked straight to the locker room.

After the match, Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos confirmed there was no official medical report on Messi and suggested it was more related to fatigue.

Argentine journalist Gaston Edul suggests reports that Messi does not have a muscle injury and asked to be taken off to avoid getting injured.

New reports in Argentina continue to follow the news and confirm that Messi has no injury ahead of the World Cup.

When Will Lionel Messi Be Fit Again?

The World Cup kicks off in about two weeks, with Argentina's first World Cup game being against Algeria on June 16, which is three weeks from now.

ESPN Argentina reports that Messi's recovery is expected to take between 10 and 14 days.

While Messi would be back to full fitness by the start of the World Cup, his participation in Argentina's last two friendly matches to prepare for the tournament could be in doubt. Ole Newspaper reports that the initial tests indicate only inflammation in the posterior thigh muscle, with no tears present.

Messi is expected to report with the Argentina National Team next week. Argentina will play Honduras on June 6 and then Iceland on June 9.

Messi's participation against Honduras is in doubt, but he is likely to play against Iceland. Argentina's official World Cup will be revealed this week, before the June 1st deadline.

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This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 4:15 PM.