Lionel Messi (right) is expected to join the Argentina training camp in Buenos Aires, but not as a fully fit player. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Argentina was left sweating over its captain’s fitness as Lionel Messi left hobbled off the field during an Inter Miami match, weeks before the FIFA World Cup.

The 38-year-old, who led the Albiceleste to their third World Cup, is expected to play in his sixth edition of the quadrennial showpiece, but the injury cast doubt on his plans.

“After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload ‌associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” his club Inter Miami said ‌in a statement. “The timeline for ‌his ⁠return to physical activity will depend ⁠on his clinical and functional progress.”

Now, Lionel Scaloni, Argentina’s coach, has revealed his assessment of the injury blow.

What did Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni say about Messi’s injury?

“The first news is not so bad,” Scaloni said in an interview broadcast Tuesday on DSports. “Naturally, we would rather nothing had happened, but now we have to wait and see how he progresses.”

“Most of the players who had problems are not fully recovered yet, and our goal is for everyone to arrive in the best possible condition,” the coach said.

When will Messi be in action next?

Club football for Lionel Messi before the World Cup is done and dusted. Hi club Inter Miami will next be in action on July 23.

Messi is expected to join the Argentina training camp in Buenos Aires, Argentina. But it remains doubtful if he will take part in the camp actively, given that he is already recuperating from a hamstring issue.

Who are Argentina playing in FIFA World Cup 2026?

Argentina is drawn in Group J at the FIFA World Cup 2026, alongside Austria, Algeria and Jordan. It will open its campaign against Algeria on June 16, before facing Austria five days later and Jordan on June 27.

Published on May 27, 2026