Argentina Receive Encouraging Lionel Messi Injury Update After Inter Miami Substitution

Argentina supporters were briefly left fearing the worst after Lionel Messi appeared to suffer a potential injury during Inter Miami’s dramatic victory over Philadelphia Union ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

The 38-year-old was substituted during the second half after seemingly feeling discomfort in the back of his thigh, immediately sparking concerns over his fitness with the international tournament rapidly approaching.

Messi left the pitch looking frustrated during Inter Miami’s thrilling encounter, which was level at 4-4 with around 20 minutes remaining at the time of his substitution.

Given the importance of the match and Messi’s competitive nature, his decision to come off instantly raised fears that the Argentina captain may have suffered a genuine injury setback before the World Cup.

However, the first update emerging from Argentina has provided considerable relief.

Positive Early Signs for Messi and Argentina

According to journalist Gaston Edul, Messi requested to be substituted purely as a precaution after experiencing slight tightness in his hamstring.

Crucially, no injury has currently been diagnosed, with the forward reportedly deciding against taking any unnecessary risks by continuing to play.

The early indications therefore suggest the substitution was preventative rather than the result of a serious physical problem, allowing Argentina supporters to breathe a little easier ahead of the tournament.

Despite Messi’s withdrawal, Inter Miami still managed to secure victory in dramatic fashion, with Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul scoring late goals to complete a remarkable comeback win over Philadelphia Union.

Nevertheless, the focus after the final whistle remained firmly centred on Messi’s condition.

Argentina Still Yet to Confirm World Cup Squad

Although expectations continue to grow that Messi will feature at the World Cup, Argentina have not yet officially announced their final squad for the tournament.

Over the past year, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has remained cautious whenever discussing his international future, repeatedly refusing to definitively confirm whether he would participate.

However, with Messi continuing to avoid any major injury setbacks and maintaining impressive form in Major League Soccer, there is growing confidence that Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni will include his captain in the squad.

Questions still remain over whether Messi will begin matches as a guaranteed starter throughout the tournament, particularly given his age and workload, but his importance to the national side remains unquestionable.

Messi Chasing Historic World Cup Record

Should he be selected, Messi would make history by becoming one of the first players ever to appear at six different World Cups.

Cristiano Ronaldo is also expected to reach the same milestone this summer.

Messi heads into the tournament in strong form after an excellent start to the Major League Soccer season with Inter Miami.

The Argentine superstar has already registered 13 goals and seven assists in just 16 appearances, once again underlining his enduring quality despite approaching the latter stages of his legendary career.