Lionel Messi suffers hamstring overload weeks before World Cup

MIAMI – Lionel Messi remained at the heart of an injury scare only weeks before the World Cup after medical tests diagnosed him with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, Inter Miami announced on May 25.

The Major League Soccer (MLS) club’s update provided no clear timetable for the Argentinian superstar’s return after his abrupt exit from Miami’s 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute on May 24.

The 38-year-old icon for the defending World Cup champions grabbed the back of his left leg and asked to come off, but appeared to be walking normally as he made his exit to the locker room.

“After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” Inter Miami said in a statement.

“The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress.”

That gave precious little indication about the status of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as Argentina prepare to defend the crown in a World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico that kicks off on June 11.

Argentina’s first match will be five days later against Algeria in Kansas City.

Messi has managed his workload since joining Inter Miami in 2023, with team staff regularly excusing him from matches in congested fixture periods.

MLS has started a break for the World Cup.

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

Argentina’s squad are due to be named next week and the South American giants will journey to the United States for pre-World Cup friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9.

In other World Cup news, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum allowed the Iran team to be based in Mexico and travel to the US on the days of their three matches after Washington declined to host the squad for the tournament.

Ms Sheinbaum said on May 25 that football’s world governing body FIFA approached her government after US authorities said they did not want Iran staying in the country throughout the competition, even though Iran are scheduled to play three Group G matches there.

“We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico,” Ms Sheinbaum said.

Iran are due to face New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, both in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

US President Donald Trump said in March that the Iran team were welcome to participate in the World Cup but that he did not believe it was appropriate for them to be in the United States “for their own life and safety”.

Mehdi Taj, head of Iran’s football federation, said on May 23 the team’s base would be moved from Arizona to the Mexican border city of Tijuana during the tournament. FIFA confirmed the move on May 24.

Iran’s World Cup plans have been under scrutiny since late February, when the US joined Israel in attacks on Iran, triggering a war that raised doubts over Iran’s participation.

Iran’s sports minister, meanwhile, said FIFA has promised that the team will receive visas to play in the United States despite the ongoing conflict.

“The FIFA president promised us that all our players would receive visas. There is no reason why our players should not receive visas,” said Ahmad Donyamali, quoted by local news agency ISNA.

“I hope that all the conditions will be met so that the national team can participate in the tournament in a calm and orderly manner.”

The Iran team are preparing in Antalya, southern Turkey. REUTERS, AFP