On Sunday night, Inter Miami CF faced off against the Philadelphia Union in their last match before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The game concluded with Miami securing a 6-4 victory despite challenging rainy conditions.
The match drew significant attention due to the early exit of 38-year-old Lionel Messi, who left in the 73rd minute with an apparent hamstring or leg issue. This raised concerns about his potential participation in what could be his sixth World Cup appearance with Argentina.
Reports from journalists like Doble Amarilla and The Touchline confirmed post-match tests showed no serious injury. Messi’s condition was diagnosed as muscle fatigue, alleviating worries about his readiness for both the tournament and upcoming World Cup friendlies.
Fans and followers of Messi expressed relief at the news, keenly aware that the 2026 FIFA World Cup might mark his last appearance on this grand stage. One enthusiastic fan remarked, “The whole world just heaved a sigh of relief. The GOAT is fine. We are all fine.”
Additional reactions highlighted Messi’s crucial role in the World Cup, with comments such as, “If Messi were to get injured now, FIFA would postpone the World Cup. Because what’s a World Cup tournament without the GOAT.” Others simply celebrated the positive update with phrases like “Best news” and “The universe is happy again.”
Argentina is preparing to defend their World Cup title, which they claimed in 2022 after a thrilling final against France. They’re set to compete in Group J, facing Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Argentina’s group play begins on June 16, with a match against Algeria scheduled for 9 p.m. ET.

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