Lionel Messi's participation in the upcoming 2026 World Cup is now in doubt after Inter Miami disclosed that he is suffering from a hamstring overload. The injury was sustained during a thrilling match against the Philadelphia Union, where Messi left the field feeling 'physical discomfort.' Medical evaluations revealed that he is experiencing muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, and the timeline for his recovery will depend on his clinical progress. Messi was seen touching his thigh during the game and left immediately after the incident. His teammate, Mateo Silvetti, expressed concern for Messi's well-being, noting that he did not see him in the locker room post-match. Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, will kick off their title defense on June 16 against Algeria, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan later in June. Additionally, the team is scheduled to play two friendlies against Honduras and Iceland prior to the tournament, making Messi's recovery crucial for the squad's preparation.