Lionel Messi
ARG
Inter MiamiRW (CF)
Wide Forward
Jun 24, 1987 (38)
Left
5'7"
148 lb
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Muscular 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.
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