Lionel Messi
MIAArgentina
Left
Jun 24, 1987
38
5'7"
148 lb
RW
CF
Wide Forward
Inter MiamiMuscular fatigue only
Messi has been confirmed with only muscular fatigue in his left hamstring after being forced off in the 73rd minute of Sunday's 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union, with the diagnosis not considered a serious injury and his availability for Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16 not in doubt, according to the club.
Analysis: Messi had contributed two assists before the precautionary substitution, and the positive update is a significant relief for both Inter Miami and the Argentine national team. The veteran forward will follow a tailored recovery plan based on his clinical and functional progress, but the nature of the issue as purely muscular fatigue rather than a structural injury ensures the defending world champions will have their captain available for the tournament. That said, if Messi can't start the opener against Algeria, Nico Paz or Giuliano Simeone could step in his spot.
Suffers potential injury Sunday
Messi provided two assists but subbed off due to an apparent discomfort during Sunday's 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union, per reporter Franco Panizo.
Analysis: Messi put in yet another impressive playmaking performance, setting up his side's first and third goals, but he finished with an apparent muscular pain in the left leg and didn't want to take any risk, leaving the field in the 73rd minute. This issue is now a concern for the Argentinian national team, with their World Cup opener coming on June 16. The veteran forward will hope to avoid a major problem, but his status will be monitored in the coming days. If Messi is not fit to start in the international tournament, the Albicelestes could use other offensive options such as Nico Paz and Giuliano Simeone.
Scores, assists in win
Messi scored one goal and assisted once from nine shots and two chances created in Sunday's 2-0 victory versus Portland Timbers.
Analysis: Messi scored the opener with his 12th goal in 13 starts in the season to help Miami win at home. He later logged his fifth assist, all of them in his last fourt starts. The forward also led his side in shots as usual.
Brilliant in win
Messi scored two goals and assisted once from six shots and four chances created in Wednesday's 5-3 win over FC Cincinnati.
Analysis: Messi was involved in everything throughout Wednesday's win. He scored twice, he added an assist and he created four chances as well. It was a brilliant performance right from the start for the brilliant midfielder. He was incredible throughout the match and continues to be the best player in MLS.
Scores once, assists twice
Messi scored one goal and assisted twice from five shots and four chances created in Saturday's 4-2 win against Toronto FC.
Analysis: Messi netted his ninth MLS goal of the season and dished out two assists in Saturday's 4-2 road win at Toronto, becoming the fastest player in league history to hit 100 goal contributions in just 64 regular-season matches, blowing past the previous mark of 95 set by Sebastian Giovinco. He threaded a perfect through ball to set up Luis Suarez's 56th minute finish, then got on the scoresheet himself and later picked up another assist on Sergio Reguilon's 73rd minute goal, running the show as Miami's clear difference-maker in a game that was twice interrupted by pitch invaders trying to get close to him. Messi now sits at 59 goals and 41 assists through 64 MLS regular-season appearances, and his nine goals in 11 matches to start 2026 mark his best scoring pace out of the gate since arriving in Miami.
Scores and assists in shock loss
Messi scored one goal and assisted once from five shots and four chances created in Saturday's 4-3 defeat versus Orlando City SC. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 78th minute.
Analysis: Messi scored the third and assisted the second goals for Inter Miami as they took a 3-0 lead in 33 minutes. They went on to lose the game 4-3. This brings him to eight goals for this season so far, and this was his first assist of the year. Messi had gone two games with out scoring, despite 16 shots in the two matches and seven chances created. This was the seventh time in eight games that Messi has created three or more chances and was his only assist so far.
Starts on Saturday
Messi registered six shots (three on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and five corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus New England Revolution.
Analysis: Messi created four chances and was also involved in the build-up to Berterame's equalizer in the 75th minute. Despite attempting 16 shots and creating seven chances across his last two appearances, Messi has not recorded a goal contribution in that span. He has scored seven goals in nine matches this campaign but is surprisingly yet to register an assist.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare