Messi at the World Cup: Inter Miami injury update, substitution

Lionel Messi, 38, requested a substitution in the 72nd minute of Inter Miami's MLS match against Philadelphia Union on May 24, 2026, after feeling his hamstring. The incident raised concerns about his fitness ahead of Argentina's FIFA World Cup title defence, with Messi having missed only one club game during the current MLS season. Football fans and analysts are closely monitoring the injury update given the tournament's proximity.