Lionel Messi holds the distinction of being the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer.
Inter Miami has announced that Lionel Messi was substituted during their recent Major League Soccer fixture due to “muscle fatigue” in his left hamstring.
Concerns arose that the 2022 World Cup victor sustained an injury during Inter Miami’s 6-4 triumph over Philadelphia Union.
However, the MLS club clarified that medical evaluations revealed “an overload associated with muscle fatigue.”
“The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress,” Inter Miami stated.
After contributing two assists in the first half of Sunday’s match, Messi gestured to his leg in the 73rd minute following a free-kick and was promptly removed from the game, which was the team’s last before the World Cup break.
The 38-year-old immediately headed to the tunnel but appeared to be walking without difficulty.
“He really was fatigued,” Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos commented after the match regarding Messi’s condition. “He was tired; the pitch was heavy and when in doubt, the standard approach is always to ensure you don’t take any risks.”
While Messi has not officially confirmed his participation for defending champions Argentina in the upcoming World Cup, commencing on June 11.
It is widely anticipated that he will make a record-tying sixth appearance at the tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Argentina’s squad announcement is expected next week, with their inaugural match scheduled against Algeria on June 16.
Since joining Miami in 2023, the Barcelona icon and eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient has strategically managed his playing time, though hamstring issues have sidelined him on occasion.
This season, he boasts 12 goals and eight assists in 14 MLS appearances, trailing the league leader by a single point in both categories, following a 2025 regular season where he led with 29 goals and 19 assists in 28 games.
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