Lionel Scaloni, head coach of the Argentina national team, reassured fans about the physical condition of team captain Lionel Messi, following the muscle injury he sustained while playing for Inter Miami in the United States just days before the start of the 2026 World Cup.
Growing concern before the World Cup
Messi’s injury exit during Inter Miami’s match against Philadelphia Union sparked concern among Argentine sports fans, especially with the World Cup approaching, where the defending champion will seek to defend its historic title from the 2022 Qatar edition.
Scaloni’s comments on the injury
Scaloni stated that the initial indicators regarding the captain’s injury appear relatively reassuring, emphasizing that the coaching staff is awaiting the final test results to determine the exact extent of the injury. The coach explained that everyone had hoped Messi would not face any physical issues at this critical time, but noted that things do not seem alarming yet, pending updates on his condition in the coming days.
Injury details and Inter Miami follow-up
Messi left the Inter Miami match in the 73rd minute after complaining of pain in the back of his left thigh. The American club later announced that initial tests showed the player had muscle fatigue due to exhaustion. Inter Miami confirmed in its medical statement that the Argentine star’s return to training would depend on his physical progress and response to treatment and rehabilitation in the upcoming period.
Coaches’ reactions and future outlook
Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino noted that Messi was clearly physically fatigued during the match, especially given the difficult playing surface, which led the coaching staff to avoid any risk by keeping him on the field. Scaloni mentioned that the national team’s coaching staff followed the match closely, adding that Messi’s request to be substituted was a sensible decision to prevent the injury from worsening before the global tournament.
Messi has been very cautious about his physical condition since moving to Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, with the coaching staff implementing a policy of regularly resting him during periods of match congestion due to his recurring hamstring injuries.
Scaloni is expected to announce the final squad for the Argentina national team in the coming days, amid great anticipation regarding Messi’s status before the start of the 2026 World Cup, which begins on June 11 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. If he officially participates, Messi will become the first player in football history to play in six World Cups, tying with Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, adding another historic achievement to his legendary career.
United States
The United States is a vast nation in North America, founded in 1776 through the Declaration of Independence from British rule. Its history is marked by westward expansion, the Civil War over slavery, and its rise as a global superpower in the 20th century. Today, it is known for its diverse culture, iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Grand Canyon, and its influence on world politics and economics.
2026 World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the 23rd edition of the tournament, marking the first time it will be hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This historic event will also be the first to feature 48 teams, expanded from the previous 32, and will see matches played across 16 cities in North America. The tournament builds on the region’s long soccer history, including Mexico’s previous hosting in 1970 and 1986, and the U.S. hosting in 1994.
Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union is a professional soccer club based in Chester, Pennsylvania, that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS). Founded in 2008 and beginning play in 2010, the club was established as an expansion team to bring top-tier soccer to the Philadelphia region, filling a void left by the dissolution of the original Philadelphia Atoms and Philadelphia Fury. The team’s name and crest pay homage to the city’s historic role in the American Revolution and the unity of the 13 colonies.
2022 Qatar World Cup
The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar was the first World Cup held in the Middle East and the Arab world, as well as the first to take place in November and December instead of the traditional summer months to avoid extreme heat. The tournament featured 32 teams competing in eight newly built, state-of-the-art stadiums, with Argentina defeating France in a dramatic final to claim their third title. Despite controversies over labor rights and environmental impact, the event was widely praised for its organization and cultural exchange.
Inter Miami
Inter Miami is a professional soccer club based in the Miami, Florida area, founded in 2018 and co-owned by David Beckham. The team began playing in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2020, with its home stadium, Chase Stadium, located in Fort Lauderdale. The club gained global attention in 2023 when it signed superstar Lionel Messi, significantly boosting its profile and competitive success.
Argentina national team
The Argentina national football team, governed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), is one of the most successful teams in the world, having won the FIFA World Cup three times (1978, 1986, and 2022). Known for producing legendary players like Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, the team has a rich history of passionate play and intense rivalries, particularly with Brazil and Uruguay. Their iconic light blue and white striped jerseys symbolize national pride, and their triumphs have cemented Argentina’s status as a global football powerhouse.
Canada
Canada is a vast North American country known for its diverse landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Lakes. Its history includes Indigenous peoples living on the land for thousands of years before European colonization, beginning with French and British settlements in the 16th and 17th centuries. Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867 and later evolved into a multicultural nation, officially gaining full independence with the Constitution Act of 1982.
Mexico
Mexico is a country in North America with a rich history spanning ancient civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs, followed by Spanish colonization starting in 1519. It gained independence in 1821 and has since developed a vibrant culture blending Indigenous and European influences. Today, Mexico is known for its archaeological sites, colorful traditions, and landmarks such as Chichén Itzá and Mexico City.
