Lionel Messi left Inter Miami’s MLS match against Philadelphia in the 73rd minute due to left hamstring muscle fatigue. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said the initial fitness news was not severe and that additional examinations should confirm the diagnosis, with the World Cup starting two weeks later. Scaloni watched the match and was relieved Messi requested to come off. Inter Miami’s manager said Messi was tired, the pitch was heavy, and the team avoided taking risks. Inter Miami stated Messi’s return to physical activity depends on clinical and functional progress. Argentina will name its World Cup squad next week and begin group play on June 16 against Algeria, followed by Austria and Jordan.
"Obviously, we would have preferred that nothing had happened. Now one has to wait and see how it evolves and above all, the new tests they are going to conduct in order to see if it confirms their original diagnosis. Scaloni, who is due to name his squad next week, added he had watched the match on TV at the federation's headquarters and been relieved that Messi had asked to come off."
"Messi has been diagnosed with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring by his Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami after he made an abrupt exit from Miami's 6-4 victory over Philadelphia in the 73rd minute on Sunday. Even at 38 and eyeing a sixth World Cup finals appearance, Messi remains the side's talisman for the defence of the title they won in Qatar four years ago."
"Inter manager Guillermo Hoyos explained after the match that Messi was tired, the pitch was heavy and no one wanted to take a risk with his fitness. Inter Miami issued a statement on Monday saying: The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress. That gave little indication about the status of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner."
"Argentina are set to begin their World Cup campaign on June 16, against Algeria in Kansas City. They then play Austria on June 22 and round off their Group J campaign against Jordan on June 28. Messi has managed his workload since joining Inter Miami in 2023, with team staff regularly excusing him from matches in congested fixtur"
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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