Following additional medical tests, the initial diagnosis indicates Messi is experiencing overload accompanied by left hamstring muscle fatigue", a statement on the Miami club's official website on 26/5 read. "Messi's return to sports activities will depend entirely on his clinical progress and rehabilitation capabilities".

Inter Miami's official website announcement on 26/5 regarding Messi's injury status. Photo: Inter Miami

After the 6-4 victory against Philadelphia Union in round 15 of Major League Soccer (MLS), Head Coach Angel Guillermo Hoyos stated that Messi was physically overloaded. "Specifically, it's due to fatigue. The pitch today was also not good. When there's any doubt, our principle is always not to take risks".

Teammate Rodrigo De Paul revealed that Messi told him on the field that the injury was not overly serious. "Leo and I spoke right then, but it's clear he needs rest", the Argentine midfielder said. "This issue has been simmering and bothering Leo for some time. From what I've seen, I'm not overly concerned. We all know Leo well; he always wants to play, wants to fight, and help the team in every situation. That's always his spirit".

The Argentine superstar is expected to need about 10 days of rest combined with intensive recovery exercises, physical therapy, and injury prevention. According to a private source from the Argentine newspaper Clarin, Messi may appear this week at his namesake training center in Ezeiza, Argentina.

Nevertheless, news of Messi's health has concerned the Argentine public and media. This comes alongside a key decision that the player born in 1987 has yet to answer: whether Messi will choose to join his teammates at the 2026 World Cup.

Messi dribbles during the match against Philadelphia Union in MLS on 25/5/2026 at NU Stadium. Photo: Reuters

Messi has not yet confirmed 100% that he will participate in the sixth World Cup of his career. In recent interviews and media appearances, he has always emphasized that the answer depends on his physical sensations. Messi will turn 39 just two days after Argentina's second group stage match against Austria at this summer's 2026 World Cup.

Last August, M10 was absent twice for Miami due to physical issues. These were breaks lasting 11 and 9 days while wearing the pink jersey during the MLS regular season. Afterward, Messi returned and helped Miami win the championship in the playoff series.

Messi's most recent appearance at a national team tournament in the US is a haunting memory for Argentine fans. He cried uncontrollably when forced to request a substitution due to an ankle sprain. However, Messi still did not miss the moment of celebration with his teammates after the thrilling 1-0 extra-time victory against Colombia to successfully defend the Copa America title.

It is highly likely that Messi will skip the national team's friendly matches in the US, scheduled for 6/6 (against Honduras) and 9/6 (against Iceland). Clarin newspaper predicts that the captain forward will likely still play for a few minutes in the second match to regain match fitness, preparing for the World Cup campaign, which will officially kick off on 16/6, against Algeria in Kansas City.

Ha Phuong compiled