Argentina can breathe again — Messi’s injury is not serious, he will be available for the World Cup

Argentina can finally relax: Lionel Messi appears to have escaped a major injury scare just weeks before the World Cup begins.

Inter Miami confirmed that early medical examinations revealed only a strain in the muscles of his left thigh. The club added that the 38-year-old’s comeback timeline will depend on how he progresses during treatment and recovery. Argentine outlet La Nacion previously reported that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to be sidelined for around ten days.

Messi caused concern during Inter Miami’s wild 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union in the final MLS match before the World Cup pause. The Argentine icon unexpectedly requested to come off in the 73rd minute, grabbing the back of his left leg as he walked toward the bench.

“He was exhausted. The pitch was heavy, and rather than risk further fatigue, we chose to substitute him,” Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos explained after the match, attempting to ease fears over the substitution.

Argentina holds its breath: Messi limps off weeks before World Cup defence

Argentina, the reigning world champions, will open their World Cup campaign on June 16 in Kansas City against Algeria in Group J. The national team has still not released its final squad list, while Messi — who is approaching his 39th birthday — has not yet confirmed whether he will play in what could be a record-tying sixth World Cup appearance.