Argentina will be worrying about what part Lionel Messi can play in their World Cup defence after the legend was injured playing for Inter Miami.
The veteran, 38, is set to captain his country at this summer’s tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, but suffered a major scare on Sunday while playing for his club in Major League Soccer.
The forward hobbled off against the Philadelphia Union with what seemed to be a thigh problem.
Now, Miami have confirmed in a statement that it was actually a hamstring injury.
“[Messi] had to leave the field yesterday, Sunday, May 24, during the match against Philadelphia Union, due to physical discomfort,” the statement read.
“After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.
“The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress.”
It remains to be seen when Messi will return to action, and there will fears that he could miss part of the upcoming World Cup, which is set to begin on Thursday, June 11, when Mexico play South Africa in the first group stage match at the Estadio Banorte in Mexico City.
Argentina, the defending champions, face Algeria in their opening game on Wednesday, June 17, at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
They then play Ralf Rangnick’s Austria five days later at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, before rounding off their group stage against Jordan at the same ground on Sunday, June 28.
