Messi is causing anxiety for Argentina ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi caused concern among fans and the Argentine national team when he left the field due to injury while playing for Inter Miami, just before the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi had a tough night in the match between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union, Round 15 of the 2026 MLS Eastern Conference.

This was also the Miami team's last match before the break for the 2026 World Cup.

Messi left the field and went straight into the tunnel.

In the first half, Messi continued to showcase his class and played a crucial role in the exciting back-and-forth game, which ended in a 4-4 draw.

Messi contributed two assists, helping Inter Miami maintain hope in the match – as the visitors repeatedly took a 2-0 lead and then a 3-1 lead .

However, with less than 20 minutes remaining in the match, the former Barcelona and PSG player voluntarily requested to be substituted.

The 38-year-old superstar went straight to the dressing room for medical attention. This immediately raised concerns among fans and the Argentinian coaching staff.

After Messi was substituted, his two friends Luis Suarez and De Paul scored in quick succession in the final minutes, securing a 6-4 victory for Inter Miami.

Messi's departure from the field created tension around the Argentina team, especially as it occurred just 23 days before the reigning World Cup champions' opening match against Algeria in Kansas in Group J.

Following a wave of concern from fans, sports journalist Gaston Edul – who closely follows the Argentine national team as well as Messi – spoke out to reassure the public.

Through his official social media accounts, he stated that Messi's decision to leave the field was merely a precautionary measure and not due to a serious muscle injury.

Messi is causing concern among Argentinian fans. Photo: IMCF

“Leo Messi asked to be substituted as a precaution because he felt a hamstring strain. There was no muscle injury. He didn’t want to put further pressure on that area or take any more risks,” said Gaston Edul.

Meanwhile, coach Guillermo Hoyos suggested that Messi might be experiencing muscle fatigue. He will undergo an official medical examination today.

"He was tired and the pitch was tough," said coach Hoyos. "When you're unsure, you should try not to risk Leo playing."

Not only Messi, but several players from both teams were also exhausted from playing on a pitch in very poor condition, a consequence of the heavy rain.

“This match was very demanding; the pitch was very heavy and it rained a lot ,” Guillermo Hoyos explained, declining to comment on Messi and only emphasizing the pitch conditions. “The most important thing for me right now is to discuss this issue . ”

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/messi-khien-argentina-bat-an-truc-them-world-cup-2026-2519035.html