Lionel Messi exited Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer match against Philadelphia Union with an apparent leg injury on Sunday (May 25, 2026), just weeks before the start of the World Cup.

Argentina superstar Messi was substituted in the 73rd minute after clutching the back of his left leg and requesting to come off.

The 38-year-old icon headed straight down the tunnel after exiting the game, which Miami went on to win 6-4.

There was no immediate word from Inter Miami on the exact reason for Messi’s substitution.

Any significant injury to the eight-time Ballon D’Or winner, though, would deal a huge blow to Messi and Argentina’s hopes of defending their World Cup crown in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The tournament kicks off in Mexico City on June 11, with Argentina due to play their opening game against Algeria in Kansas City five days later.

Inter Miami’s game on Sunday (May 24, 2026) was the last before MLS takes a break ahead of the World Cup.

Messi has not formally confirmed he plans to play in the World Cup, but is widely expected to return for what will be a record-equalling sixth appearance at the finals.

Argentina’s squad is due to be named next week, and the South American giants will head to the United States shortly afterwards for pre-World Cup friendlies against Honduras in Texas on June 6, followed by a game against Iceland on June 9.

If there is one key takeaway from the ongoing T20 World Cup, it is that most associate nations have come not merely to participate, but to compete.

Their approach against established teams has added fresh energy to the tournament, and two such sides — the United States of America and Namibia — will square off in a Group-A encounter on Sunday (February 15, 2026). The USA heads into the contest with momentum and the advantage of being familiar with the conditions, having thumped the Netherlands by 93 runs in Chennai on Friday (February 13, 2026).

Skipper Monank Patel will have to improve by leaps and bounds at the top, while No. 3 Saiteja Mukkamalla provided much-needed stability and fluency in the previous game. The middle-order has relied on Shubham Ranjane to add crucial runs at critical moments.

With the ball, medium-pacer Shadley van Schalkwyk (11 wickets) has led the attack effectively with a change of pace and variations. Add the left-arm spin of Harmeet Singh, the combination could prove particularly useful on the traditionally spin-friendly Chepauk surface.

The USA head coach, Pubudu Dassanayake, expressed confidence, highlighting his team’s hunger and belief. “The boys are determined. We knew we had the strength to compete. We are hungry. I think we showed what we’re capable of. As a team, we just have to prove it on the field,” said Dassanayake.

“The game against the Netherlands was a message to everyone about how far ahead we are compared to the rest of the associate nations. This team deserves to play more against full-member countries. I’m really pleased with the group,” Dassanayake added.

He felt that familiarity with the conditions could be a potential advantage. “We had a great practice session under lights. Overall, I believe we’re slightly ahead of Namibia in terms of adapting to these conditions.”

Namibia, however, are unlikely to be overawed as Sunday’s (February 15, 2026) clash promises to be a battle between two ambitious associate teams determined to make their mark on the global stage.