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Messi suffers World Cup injury scare
26th May, 2026 06:53 PM
Argentina skipper Lionel Messi has been found to have muscle exhaustion in his left hamstring, just under three weeks ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
The 38-year-old was taken off in the 73rd minute during Inter Miami CF’s thrilling 6-4 MLS victory over Philadelphia Union on Sunday, May 24, 2026, after appearing uncomfortable following a free-kick attempt.
Medical examinations later confirmed that the former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain F.C. attacker experienced “overload associated with muscle fatigue”, as stated by Inter Miami.
“The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress,” the club further explained.
Speaking after the encounter, Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos revealed that Messi had struggled with fatigue after competing on what he described as a “heavy” playing surface.
This year’s FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place across United States, Mexico, and Canada between June 11 and July 19, 2026.
Reigning world champions Argentina national football team are set to open their tournament campaign against Algeria national football team on June 16, 2026 before later taking on Austria national football team and Jordan national football team in Group J.
Neymar injured
Elsewhere, Brazil’s sensation Neymar Jr has encountered yet another fitness problem just weeks before the FIFA World Cup gets underway, raising fresh concerns for Brazil ahead of their opening fixture against Morocco.
The 34-year-old Santos FC forward was absent from Copa Sudamericana clash at home to San Lorenzo previously after picking up a calf problem. Despite the setback, Santos moved quickly to calm fears over the seriousness of the injury.
Club physician Rodrigo Zogaib explained that the attacker is still expected to join Brazil’s first training camp on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in good condition.
According to Brazilian media outlet O Globo, Zogaib stated: “Neymar will report to the national team fit or very close to being fit. There is even a chance he could play against Deportivo Cuenca next Tuesday.”
Brazil’s record scorer, with 79 goals from 128 appearances for the national side, Neymar has not represented Brazil since October 2023. His last international outing ended painfully after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament during a World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay.
