Lionel Messi is undergoing further tests as he aims to participate in his sixth World Cup with Argentina, with coach Lionel Scaloni expressing optimism about the situation. The World Cup is just two weeks away, and Scaloni noted that the initial assessment of Messi's fitness "is not that bad."

Messi's Injury Update

Messi, who plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), was diagnosed with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring after leaving the field during Miami's 6-4 win over Philadelphia in the 73rd minute on Sunday. Scaloni mentioned on Argentinian TV station DSports that the team is awaiting the results of additional tests to confirm the initial diagnosis. "Obviously, we would have preferred that nothing had happened," he stated.

Inter Miami's manager, Guillermo Hoyos, explained that Messi was fatigued and that the heavy pitch conditions contributed to the decision to substitute him. The club released a statement indicating that the timeline for Messi's return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress.

World Cup Aspirations

As Argentina prepares for their World Cup campaign, starting on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City, Messi remains a crucial player for the team as they defend the title they won in Qatar four years ago. The 38-year-old forward has scored 116 goals in 198 appearances for his national team, and while he has not officially confirmed his participation in the tournament, he is widely expected to make a record-matching sixth appearance.

Argentina's group stage matches will also include a game against Austria on June 22 and a final group match against Jordan on June 28. The MLS has paused its season to accommodate the World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Messi's workload has been carefully managed since his arrival at Inter Miami in 2023, with staff often excusing him from matches during busy periods.

As the team looks ahead, the anticipation builds for Messi's potential return to the World Cup stage, where he previously celebrated victory against France in the 2022 final. Alongside him, Cristiano Ronaldo and potentially Guillermo Ochoa are also expected to make their sixth World Cup appearances.