Will Lionel Messi Miss FIFA World Cup 2026? Viral Inter Miami Video Raises Fresh Fitness Concerns
Lionel Messi’s latest appearance in an Inter Miami training video has triggered fresh concerns among football fans over his fitness ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. With Argentina hoping to defend their crown, supporters are closely monitoring every update surrounding the legendary forward’s physical condition and long-term future in international football.
May 25, 2026: Argentine football legend Lionel Messi raised fresh injury concerns after leaving the pitch during Inter Miami CF’s 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union in an MLS clash on Monday. The 38-year-old was seen holding his left thigh before asking to be substituted in the second half.
The moment quickly went viral on social media and worried Argentina fans ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Argentina will enter the tournament as defending champions after winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Why Lionel Messi’s Latest Inter Miami Video Has Fans Worried
Messi appeared uncomfortable around the 70th minute after taking a free-kick. Cameras showed him touching the upper part of his left thigh before signalling to the bench for a substitution. He was replaced by Mateo Silvetti and then walked directly to the dressing room. Although Messi did not need medical assistance while leaving the field, fans became concerned after clips of the incident spread online. Many supporters feared the injury could affect his preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
خروج الاسطورة ميسي 🚨🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/rvc7YmnodS
— Messi World (@M10GOAT) May 25, 2026
What We Know About Messi’s Current Fitness and Argentina Plans
After the match, Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said there was no official injury update on Messi. He explained that the substitution was mainly precautionary, adding that the Argentine captain looked tired during the game. Hoyos also mentioned that the heavy pitch conditions played a role in the decision, as the club did not want to take any unnecessary risks with their biggest player ahead of an important period. Argentina recently announced its provisional 55-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Messi included in the list.
Argentina’s provisional FIFA World Cup 2026 squad:
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso, Walter Benitez, Facundo Cambeses, Santiago Beltran.
Defenders: Agustin Giay, Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Capaldo, Kevin Mac Allister, Lucas Martinez Quarta, Marcos Senesi, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, German Pezzella, Leonardo Balerdi, Cristian Romero, Lautaro Di Lollo, Zaid Romero, Facundo Medina, Marcos Acuna, Nicolas Tagliafico, Gabriel Rojas.
Midfielders: Maximo Perrone, Leandro Paredes, Guido Rodriguez, Anibal Moreno, Milton Delgado, Alan Varela, Ezequiel Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Giovani Lo Celso, Nicolas Dominguez, Emiliano Buendia, Valentin Barco.
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Nicolas Paz, Franco Mastantuono, Thiago Almada, Tomas Aranda, Nicolas Gonzalez, Alejandro Garnacho, Giuliano Simeone, Matias Soule, Claudio Echeverri, Gianluca Prestianni, Santiago Castro, Lautaro Martinez, Jose Manuel Lopez, Julian Alvarez, Mateo Pellegrino.
Can Messi Still Lead Argentina at FIFA World Cup 2026?
At present, there is no confirmation of a serious injury, and early reports suggest the issue may simply be fatigue. However, Argentina fans will closely follow further medical updates in the coming days. Messi remains the heart of Argentina’s squad and is expected to play a major role if fully fit. With the World Cup approaching fast, the defending champions will hope their captain recovers quickly and is ready to lead the team once again on football’s biggest stage.