Messi Avoids Serious Injury Ahead of World Cup, Argentina Relieved

Preliminary examinations reveal that Lionel Messi has sustained a strain in his left thigh muscles, according to Inter Miami, alleviating fears of a serious injury ahead of the World Cup.

The 38-year-old forward's availability will depend on his clinical and functional recovery progress, as the club announced following the incident.

Reports from Argentine newspaper La Nación and other media outlets indicated that Messi might require approximately ten days to recuperate from the injury.

During Inter Miami's 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union in the final match before the World Cup break in Major League Soccer, Messi requested to be substituted in the 73rd minute, holding his left thigh as he exited the field.

After initial concern, the club has confirmed that Messi is not seriously injured.

Guillermo Hoyos, the Argentine manager of Inter Miami, explained the substitution by stating, "He was exhausted. The pitch was heavy, and rather than risk further fatigue, we chose to substitute him."

Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, are set to play their first match on 16 June in Kansas City against Algeria in Group J.

The national team has not yet revealed its World Cup squad, and Messi, who will soon turn 39, has not announced whether he will participate in what would be his sixth World Cup finals, potentially equalling a record.