Will Lionel Messi Miss the World Cup? Here's the Latest

Lionel Messi, one of the most closely followed names in world football, worried all of Argentina, even if only briefly. The 38-year-old star, who left the match in the 73rd minute holding his left hamstring and went straight to the locker room in Inter Miami's 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union, caused an injury panic with the World Cup just days away.

But the news that came revealed that the feared scenario did not happen. According to world-renowned transfer and news source Fabrizio Romano, Messi does not have a "serious injury," and the Argentine star is expected to be ready for the World Cup. Inter Miami, in their statement, announced that an overload associated with muscle fatigue was detected in the player's left hamstring.

This development was a big relief for both the Argentina national team and football fans. After all, Messi is Argentina's most important name as they look to defend their title at the World Cup. Argentina, who lifted the trophy in Qatar in 2022, aim this summer to achieve something Brazil last did in 1962: winning two consecutive World Cups.

Messi's form this season also shows how critical he is. The Argentine star, who has delivered an effective performance in MLS and carried Inter Miami to the upper places in the Eastern Conference, continues to be his team's most important card in attack. It is known that head coach Lionel Scaloni also very much wants to see Messi at the tournament.

This injury concern was, in fact, just one of a series of similar developments before the World Cup. While the injury situations of stars like Lamine Yamal have recently come onto the agenda, it is stated that names like Kylian Mbappé and Mohamed Salah have overcome their injuries and become ready for the tournament. The star players are walking on a veritable "thin line" before the tournament.

In conclusion, according to Fabrizio Romano, Lionel Messi appears to have overcome this injury concern without a serious problem and is preparing to wear the Argentina shirt at the World Cup. In the tournament to be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, Argentina's opening match will be on June 16.

Source: Based on reports by Fabrizio Romano, Inter Miami (official statement), Fox Sports, and Yahoo Sports.